The Italian language is full of typical words and expression that foreigner people usually do not understand. Let’s try to learn some of them!

« IN BOCCA AL LUPO »

Coming to Italy, you will hear for sure this common expression. Literally translated as « in the mouth of the wolf », it’s the common Italian way to wish good luck. It’s a scaramantic term: to go « into the wolf’s mouth » means, in fact, to go directly into troubles. As answer, the Italians usually say « Crepi il lupo! » (wish that the wolfs dies!).

The origin of this funny expression is not clear; it probably came out from the rural world, where farmers used to consider the wolf as a big danger, because wolves eats the other animals. Another possible origin can be found in the Romolo and Remo story, who were saved by a she-wolf which take them into her mouth.

So, when someone tells you « In bocca al lupo » don’t be scared! He’s just wishing you good luck 🙂

In our personalized programs at Institute Galilei in Italian language courses all the aspects of the Italian language can be axplored, according to the students’ interests and needs.