Parlare italiano (speaking Italian) means mastering grammar and understanding all those meaningful expressions that don’t quite make sense when translated literally. One all-time Italian favorite is Che cavolo! which translates as “what a cabbage.”
It may sound weird, but there is a whole range of expressions in Italian featuring this vegetable. The reason goes way back and has inspired many idioms and slang that Italians still use today.
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What does che cavolo mean?
Che cavolo (what a cabbage!) is a popular exclamation in Italian slang that replaces stronger Italian swear words. Think of che cavolo as the equivalent of “Oh, come on!” or “What the heck!” in English. It’s a firm expression but mild enough to avoid offense.
You may be wondering: Why are cabbages used so often in Italian slang? Historically, cabbages have been a cheap, everyday staple when meat, fish, and certain vegetables were considered luxuries. So, over time, cavolo/cavoli (cabbage/cabbages) became shorthand for something insignificant and unworthy.
How to use che cavolo in Italian
You’ll hear many quirky Italian idioms involving food, like Che pizza! (So boring!). However, cabbage in Italian is undoubtedly the prima donna, so it’s better to know how to use it. Let’s break down the closest translation of che cavolo in English for each situation.
Che cavolo! (Oh, come on!/Geez!)
This is a catch-all exclamation when you’re just fed up or things don’t go your way, like when you miss a bus or your beloved Italian coffee machine breaks.
Che cavolo vuoi? (What the heck do you want?)
Saying Che cavolo vuoi? is perfect to blow off steam without going into full rage mode. The tone is mildly aggressive and doesn’t suit a formal setting.
Che cavolo stai facendo? (What the heck are you doing?)
Similar to the above, when someone’s doing something strange or silly, use Che cavolo stai facendo?. It can come off as irritated or sarcastic, depending on how you say it.
Ma che cavolo dici? (What the heck are you talking about?)
Heard something completely unbelievable? This is your phrase. It’s half disbelief, half sarcasm, and can also be used playfully.
Che cavolo è successo? (What the heck happened?)
This question is ideal for reacting to chaos! Use it if you spill coffee or for a real-life surprise plot twist.
Non me ne frega un cavolo. (I don’t give a damn.)
Use this phrase to make it clear you couldn’t care less—without getting into full profanity. But mind the use of the verb fregare when it means “not caring.” It’s too street slang for formal situations.
More Italian expressions that use cavolo
There are many more Italian expressions with the word “cabbage” that are used frequently. As you walk on the ancient cobblestones of Rome, you might hear locals using any of these common expressions.
Cavolo!/Cavoli! (Wow!/No way!/Oh, no!)
Using cavolo like this is a common Italian exclamation for surprise, amazement, or disbelief. It also works when you forget something.
Col cavolo! (No way!/Not a chance!)
This is a sarcastic way to reject an idea or suggestion, like “Absolutely not!” or “Yeah, right.”
Cavoli tuoi (your problem)
You can use cavoli tuoi when you don’t want to get involved in someone’s questionable decision.
- Sono cavoli tuoi. = It’s your problem.
Or use it to set boundaries.
- Non sono cavoli tuoi. = It’s none of your business.
Una cavolata (something stupid)
Doing a cavolata is a synonym for doing something foolish or messing up.
Non capire un cavolo (to understand nothing)
When someone is completely lost in a situation, you’d say non capire un cavolo to indicate you don’t understand at all.
Cavoli amari (troubles)
This literally means “bitter cabbages” and indicates an unpleasant or rough situation.
Mi stanno sul cavolo. (I can’t stand them.)
This is a common way to vent about someone. Be aware that it sounds rude if you say it directly.
Salvare capra e cavoli. (Having your cake and eating it too).
The old Italian saying “to save goat and cabbages” comes from a medieval riddle: A farmer must carry a goat, a wolf, and cabbages across a river on a boat that can only fit one of them. The catch? He can’t leave the goat alone with the cabbages (it’ll eat them), nor the goat with the wolf (same issue, different victim).
Testa di cavolo (idiot)
Saying someone is a “cabbage head” is playful but still slightly insulting. Use it carefully.
Non valere un cavolo (not worth a damn)
If something is worthless or has no value, this is the ideal expression to say that with feeling.
Come i cavoli a merenda (literally, like cabbages for a snack)
This is a non-translatable idiom to use when something feels out of place or doesn’t make sense.
Is che cavolo used everywhere in Italy?
While all expressions with cavolo are understood nationwide, Italian dialects heavily influence local slang. Using expressions like cavolo in everyday conversations is common in Northern Italy. However, Southern Italians often prefer other ways. For example, to express surprise, you’re more likely to hear a dramatic Miiiiiii! in Sicily or Sorbole! in Bologna.
With Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion method, you will quickly understand and start using idioms like these. With bite-sized lessons, live tutoring, and a convenient app, you’ll have all the support you need to learn Italian and start speaking like a native.
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