Italian is a romantic language…and apparently a tricky one, too.
We visited John Cabot University and the American University of Rome yesterday. As Mr. Lynch, the dean of students who moved to Rome from Memphis, Tenn. six years ago, talked to us about the cultural standards here, he elaborated on the popular phrase, “Ciao bella!” While I’m sure we all thought that translated to “Hello beautiful!” we laughed (amidst our confusion) that it was a slang equivalent for … well, I won’t quote Mr. Lynch, but, let’s just say it’s not something any woman would accept–if she were sober.
Italy is known for wine. And Italians love to drink; the drinking age here, much like most other countries, is lower than that of the U.S. Mr. Lynch reminded us that Italians are social drinkers. In other words, drunkenness is not the goal, and whenever it occurs, it is highly frowned upon. Especially toward women. Surely, he didn’t mean that Italians never get drunk, but it’s a safe bet that it happens less often than on any college campus in America.
His point was that if a man approaches a woman by saying “Ciao bella!” he is either non-Italian or he is aiming at said woman because he knows she’s inebriated, and thus has no respect for herself. Getting drunk is unladylike. I’m all for moderation, but I’ve never been a drinker. Even the fruity margarita I had for my 21st birthday gave me a headache. Beside the awful taste, I never comprehended why so many people found joy in getting drunk to a state of not being able to control themselves, acting wildly, vomiting, passing out then waking up with a hangover and no memory of what happened the night before. But hey, whatever floats your boat or finds your lost remote (Outkast plug). And I don’t mean to be preachy, but there are other ways to have fun, safely.
Once an intoxicated woman’s guard is down and an Italian man, or a man of any nationality, sees fit to take advantage of her, the thrill is gone. She’ll be categorized and stereotyped in two countries…and when she wakes up, she likely won’t even remember it at all.
Ciao,
Ang.
eheh, yeah, actually “ciao bella” is not very used in everyday life.
.
) is popular among non-italians because it’s short and easy to remember, and it’s a nice message after all.
But may I add that it’s not used all that much among italians; it could also be used be jokingly with friends (for instance when you take leave), and there sure are many more efficient italian hook-up lines for girls
I personally think “ciao bella” (or “ciao bello”, for guys
So, don’t get offended if people say you “ciao bella”
Sorry for the bad grammar
Morgan