by Nicholas Albanese (Author), Giovanni Spani (Author), Philip Balma (Author)

The essence of any language lies not in its timehonored dictionaries, but in its slang. Streetwise Italian Dictionary/Thesaurus provides Italian students with today's most accurate, accessible, and up-to-date reference to current Italian slang and idiomatic expressions. More than 2,500 terms and expressions are conveniently arranged into alphabetical topics, and then--unlike most resources of its type--marked for register to prevent the embarrassment of inappropriate usage.

Extensive example sentences, together with their English translations, provide helpful context. Valuable for all, but particularly those planning travel to Italy, this comprehensive reference reveals the true language of Italy.

Back Jacket

Do you want to learn Italian slang? No need to sudare sette camicie.* Streetwise Italian Dictionary/Thesaurus makes it easy!

Add spark to your everyday casual conversation by learning how to use Italian slang and expressions appropriately. Streetwise Italian Dictionary/Thesaurus gets you talking like you're cool without getting you into hot water!

Frustrated by Italian slang? No need to calare le brache (lit., pull down one's pants--surrender), chiudere bottega (lit. to close up shop--to give up), or perdere le staffe (lit., to lose the stirrups--lose one's temper). With this book, you can trovare l'America (lit., discover America--find happiness). Inside you will find just the right expression you are looking for instantly. And whimsical illustrations get the message across with laugh-out-loud humor.

Streetwise Italian Dictionary/Thesaurus is a cinch to use for quick reference or browsing, featuring:

• More than 2,500 current terms and expressions
• A-Z thematic arrangement in 34 English themes and 158 subcategories
• Literal meanings, example sentences for context, and entertaining exercises to develop active vocabulary
• Helpful illustrations of 12 typical Italian gestures
• Italian-English dictionary/index that cross-references all 2,500 terms and expressions included in the thesaurus

Worried you'll be called un cervello di gallina (lit., hen's brain--not too smart)? Whether you're a student, tourist, or business traveler, whatever the topic of your conversation--be it art, health, sex, or work--Streetwise Italian Dictionary/Thesaurus will have you comfortable using slang and talking like you're "with it" in no time at all.

* (lit., sweat seven shirts--work really hard).

Author Biography

Nicholas Albanese, Giovanni Spani, Philip Balma, and Ermano Conti (Bloomington, IN) are experienced educators in the area of Italian studies.

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