Speaking Sicilian: 5 words and phrases to use when traveling in Sicily
I’m lucky to return each year to the beautiful southern Italian island of Sicily. It’s an destination rich in culture and ancient history, with a strong people and proud identity to match. The same can be said for the island’s language. Sicilians speak their own dialect, and knowing some popular words and phrases can be useful when traveling in Sicily.
For fellow multilingual speakers, you’ll understand the challenges of mastering a language, let alone an additional dialect. While the following words and phrases won’t exactly have you speaking fluent Sicilian (!) they’ll definitely come in handy.
What’s more, when you use Sicilian slang, watch the locals’ faces light up as you converse in the local vernacular. That said, forget about speaking perfect Sicilian. Just knowing these words and phrases will put you one step ahead of the rest.
1. Minchia – Sicilian words and phrases
Minchia (min-kee-ah) is an expression you’ll hear a lot in Sicily. Literally translated, it refers to erm, a part of the male anatomy! That aside, this Sicilian slang word means ‘unbelievable’ or ‘great’. I usually hear it during mealtimes, to compliment a tasty dish. Take note however, as the use of ‘Minchia’ does depends on the context, so translations will differ!
If you’re into adventure travel, Sicily has many tours and activities that’ll satisfy the most intrepid of traveler. Go with a local guide on any of the selected below, and get even more out of your visit.
“…when you use Sicilian slang, watch the locals’ faces light up as you converse in the local vernacular.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
2. Amunninni- learn the Sicilian language
Amunninni (aa-moo-nin-nee) is the way of saying ‘let’s go’ in Sicilian. It’s a slight variation from the standard ‘andiamo’, which is ‘let’s go’ in Italian. Best to use amunninni with friends and people you know, as opposed to the local fisherman or fruit seller! They might just give you a peculiar look!
Extra Sicilian slang tip: How to say beautiful in Sicilian? ‘Beda’ (be-dda)
3. Unni è- 5 Sicilian words to use on the island
A common question we ask on a regular basis, ‘unni è’ (oo-nee eh) basically means ‘where is it?’ in Sicilian. Take note of the intonation used, as this makes a huge difference in saying it correctly.
4. Sicilian words and phrases – Spacchiuso
A great word to use, and one that describes a lot of things in Sicily! ‘Spacchiuso’ (spack-eyoo-zo) is the coolest Sicilian word, because it means cool! Use when talking about the sights, the Sicilian baroque architecture, the beaches, and the island in general.
Map: best boutique hotels in every part of Sicily
5. Sicilian slang words – Mancia
I’m saving the best for last, as this is probably my favorite Sicilian phrase. When in Sicily, there’s nothing I love to do more than eat. And this phrase ‘mancia’ (man-cha) is music to my ears.
Whenever you hear the phrase ‘mancia!’ (eat!) don’t hesitate to start. Sicilians are happy when they see their guests eating and – more importantly – enjoying the food. That said, expect your clothes to feel a little tighter, and your love handles to be a little cuddlier when you return home!
Chic boutique hotels to check into in Sicily
Practice your Sicilian language skills while staying at some of the best boutique hotels in Sicily. The island’s fairly big, and you’ll want to plan properly in order to see everything it has to offer.
To give you a starting point, here are some of my favorite Sicily boutique hotels in the most popular destinations.
South Sicily
We start in the south of the island, Noto, with Borgo Alveria. This boutique hotel combines modern comforts with eco-tourism. Enjoy the best of the Sicilian countryside, with a restaurant in a farmhouse, pool and sprawling land.
For a boutique accommodation with a twist, you may be keen to try glamping instead. The fabulous IUTA Glamping & Farm is an 8-minute drive from the center of Noto. Five eco-luxury tents overlook the striking Sicilian countryside, with a swimming pool and the chance to pick your own fruit.
West Sicily – 5 Sicilian words and phrases
Baglio Soria Resort & Wine Experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy a glass of wine on their travels. Discover the beauty of the Trapani countryside in this 4-star luxury boutique hotel. There are 11 luxury rooms to choose from, amidst the surroundings of olive groves and vineyards.
“…expect your clothes to feel a little tighter, and your love handles to be a little cuddlier when you return home!”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
North Sicily – archipelago of the Aeolian Islands
It’s a short boat ride to reach the island of Salina from the mainland of Sicily. Once here, head to the northeast of the island and check into the stunning Capofaro Malvasia & Resort.
This 5-star luxury boutique hotel has elegant accommodation, and is also surrounded by the Malvasia vineyard. Needless to say, if you enjoy wine, you’ve got to do a tasting! Stay here if you’re looking for an exclusive resort , bespoke service and to be among nature.
East Sicily
Taormina’s one place that attracts many visitors year after year. The historic centre’s pretty to walk around in, and offers stunning views of the surrounding Mediterranean Sea.
I love the Hotel Villa Ducale, not only for its elegant décor and accommodation, but also for its location. It’s perched high on a hillside, offering views of the town below and the Strait of Messina.
What are your thoughts on this post? Do you feel confident to try some for yourself if/when you visit Sicily? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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Lisa Rivera
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Welcome to my site! I'm Lisa, founder of Following the Rivera. I write primarily for a ‘flashpacker’ audience; a demographic (late 20s onwards) that enjoys glamping over camping, staying at boutique/luxury boutique hotels, sampling the local food and wine, cultural activities, and indulging in a spot of wellness on their travels. Read more here…
This is so cool – I always love to pick up a few common phrases when I visit a new place. it is good to speak even the most common phrases as it makes it easier to communicate with locals! Got to be careful when using the first one though, lol!
That’s so great to hear! It’s important to learn some local lingo, it gets you further than you realise 🙂
Just want to be sure the Minchia is okay to say. In New Orleans, it ALWAYS meant the male organ…
Ha, that’s interesting to know! I’ve not yet been to New Orleans, but now I know! In Sicily, it really depends on the context, tone of the conversation 🙂
I must admit learning new language is always tricky with the pressure of learning new words and also mastering dialect so that you don’t mess up speaking with locals. I can say this because I’m already learning French & German and coming from India the dialect doesn’t come naturally to me as we speak really differently from Europeans. Not sure when I’m going to visit Sicily leave learn the language, but I’m sure these top phrases will be helpful when I actually plan to go there or start learning basics of language.
I can imagine it would be a challenge for you to learn any European language, but I’m sure the same applies the other way around! Give the phrases a try anyway, you never know!
You look great but don’t make sense saying tu si minca, the would really mean your a dick.. instead say belisima ? I can teach u all the Sicilian u like first laungage to me
Thank you for correcting me; though I didn’t write ‘tu si minca’ in the article? Also, my partner’s family assisted in this piece; they’re Sicilian too 😉
You are ? percent correct, thanks , VICTOR.
Thank you!
What a great idea learning the local language 🙂 I would definitely use the phase (expression) Minchia (min-kee-ah) because I think everything is ‘unbelievable’ or ‘great’. You are missing a phrase thought, Where is the wine lol
Haha so true! I’m sure wine is still ‘vino’ but the Sicilians would probably still use Minchia to describe it!
This is a minchia article!! 🙂 I love all the high resolution pictures you attached with this post. Knowing a few local words also helps in impressing the locals and making friends with them. And sure when a foreigner speaks the local slang the locals’ faces do light up with awe and disbelief!
Thank you! I agree that knowing some local phrases really helps when travelling, especially the slang 🙂
What a great post. Learning little of the language of the city one travels to is one way of appreciating your host. Trying to pronounce these Italian phrases as you transcribed kinda tickles me. Lol
Great! I’m no linguist, but I thought it would help to break it down phonetically! Thank you for commenting!
Any traveler to Sicily will appreciate this list of common Sicilian words and phrases. I was a bit shocked when you said that “minchia” refers to part of the male anatomy but then I realized, this is Italia. Thanks for breaking down the pronunciations as well.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found my attempt at phonetic spelling useful! Maybe you will get to try it one day 🙂
Super interesting article! People usually appreciate when you can speak the local language, or simply try! Hospitality becomes automatically better as well in our experience!
Thank you, I appreciate your comments! I agree that the locals do appreciate when you try, no matter how wrong you are 😀
It’s the best way to meet locals too!
I couldn’t agree more 🙂
I don’t know Italian very much but I like the way of their pronunciation of words. it is a little different And I like That.
Thank you! It’s a beautiful language, and very expressive 🙂
Hahah, the reference to ‘minchia’ is hilarious, I’m sure it’s confusing for a lot of people. I love learning new languages, its one of the best ways to get to know culture of a place. Thanks for sharing interesting titbits.
You’re welcome Suma. It’s nice to know there are others who love learning languages too 🙂
When I went to Italy I struggled big time with language. I love the way you explained the Sicilian words and phrases. Next time for sure I’ll practise these.
That’s so encouraging, and I hope next time you won’t have as much difficulty. It’s a wonderful language, where intonation is very important.
It’s always useful to know the most common phrases of the place you travel to! As a food love I guess I do need to hear “mancia” more often when visiting Sicily. Have to save this for my future trip!
That’s great to hear! Mancia, or mangia in the rest of Italy is very common, so look out for it!
This is very interesting to read and learn. I love to learn and know about other languages and their culture . Thanks alot for sharing your knowledge with us. It really helps 🙂
You’re welcome! I think it’s one of the main reasons I like to travel, thanks for commenting.
I’m gonna say Amunninni to my husband tonight. I’ve never been to Sicily and I’m dying to go.
Excellent, that’s what I like to hear! I hope you get to visit one day soon, it’s beautiful there.
Such an interesting post! I haven’t visited this part of Italy yet, and now you motivated me to go there. I also like to learn few words when traveling to places as well.
Thank you, I’m so happy to read that! Hopefully, you’ll be able to pronounce the phrases when you visit 🙂
What a useful article – I wasn’t even aware that Sicilians had their own dialect. It’s so funny that Minchia is used to compliment food if it’s also part of the male anatomy (I won’t ask which part)! Mancia would be music to my ears as I love to eat and love to eat Sicilian food even more!
Oh they do, and they have their own unique gestures too. Minchia is so widely used, I would hear it on an hourly basis! Sicilian food is so good, and to die for!
This is a great post! I love being able to converse in different languages/dialects while travelling. These Sicilian phrases are perfect. Now to be able to remember how to pronounce them. Mancia I can remember for it’s similarities to the romantic languages. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I’m so glad to read that you enjoyed it. It takes a bit of practice, but I’m sure anyone can perfect these with practice 🙂
It’s so interesting to learn dialect particular to different nations! I’ve never been to Sicily before, but I definitely plan on going sometime in my lifetime!! Italy is far too beautiful for words! Learning the dialect reminds me of my time in Bonaire, where they speak Papiamentu- a mix of Dutch, Portuguese, English and Spanish. As someone who can understand some Spanish and is a native English-speaker, it was very difficult to learn what the population was saying! A guide like this would’ve definitely been helpful!
Thank you Deni! Papiramentu sounds really difficult yet interesting! Italian is a beautiful language on its own, but learning Sicilian adds another challenge! Glad you enjoyed it 😀
This is a really practical list and I love the tips you have included with regard to their application. I will have to save this post for when I get the chance to visit Italy and make the effort to get across to Sicily. The island just looks gorgeous and I love the photos you have included here as well.
Thanks Nicole, I really appreciate your feedback. Sicily is amazing, and really worth adding to your bucket list. Hope you get to try these phrases one day!
This was a fun read for me. A really Spacchiuso post… (I hope that is the right way to use it). The first one Minchia actually cracked me up. Thanks for sharing this. It was a refreshing read.
Hehe thank you! The words are very expressive, and yes, spacchiuso is the right word to use!
Spacchiuso is something that I picked up while I was there. Knowing key phrases helps so much in terms of feeling at home. Its interesting to note how minchia can mean different things depending on the context.
That’s great to know that you already came across the word, it’s a wonderful one, and definitely a favourite of mine.
Its so true, whenever I speak local Spanish in Spain, faces light up! I always think its good to know some local phrases of a destination. A little knowledge can go a long way!!
So nice to read a fellow linguist perspective! Absolutely, knowledge is key after all 😀
Love these Italian language tips! I haven’t tried learning any Italian yet, but I would like to one day–it’s such a beautiful language. Sicily looks gorgeous–I’ll make it down there one day.
I hope you do too, it’s such a great experience, and one you won’t be disappointed with!
I learned Italian in university and still remember a little bit of Italian. I didn’t know Sicily has its own dialect. It is always good to learn a few useful words to be able to communicate with the locals. I think I would be using “Mancia” a lot 😀
Ha, yes you and me both! They have their own dialect, and are very proud about it 🙂
I prefer picking up some of the common words or phrases used locally whenever I travel. Makes it so much convenient to communicate. Loved your this guide 🙂
Thank you, that’s encouraging to hear! I hope you try it when you’re there one day.
Such an awesome guide to speaking Italian! I would LOVE to tour Italy so will book mark this for when we do get to go! Thanks for sharing, this has got me excited to start planning a trip!
That’s brilliant, I’m very delighted to read this. Have a wonderful time, it will be very spacchiuso 😀
Learning local language is a great way to absorb the culture of the place. Mancia sounds great. I am a foodie.
Thanks for your comment!
I always think that learning the language, even some basic phrases, is one of the most fun parts of travel! It helps you get into the swing of things quicker, get around easier and form good relationships with the locals. Thanks for the tips, I didn’t realise Sicily has such a strong dialect!
You’re welcome Hannah. It’s a great language, and very expressive too!
Love this post! I’ve been studying some (very basic) Italian lately since I’m spending several weeks in Italy, and it is also cool to pick up those slang words. We haven’t been to Sicily yet, but hopefully next year–we would love to spend a few weeks exploring the island!
Aw that’s amazing to read, thank you! My partner is half Sicilian, so even my Italian isn’t enough when we’re in Sicily. It’s such a great island, you’ll have a great time exploring!
Sicily is always so amazing and so is its language. These 5 phrases are cool and sounds musical too.I loved Man cha phrase as I am a gr8 foodie. Learning new dialect while traveling is very important as language connects with local peopke.
Brilliant! I hope you get to try a few out if you ever visit the island!
When I travel, I try to learn hello, good bye, please, thank you and excuse me, but these are way more fun!
Absolutely. I’m glad you enjoyed it 😀
Haha I am so scared that I’ll use ‘minchia’ in the wrong place and will end up getting super embarrassed, especially because of the literal translation. That being said, you’re right, it’s always good to know some local words even if you’re in a place where English is easily understood, the local people get so happy to see that!
Totally! And Sicilians will smile if you say any of these, but of course in context!
I feel productive after reading this. I expanded my vocabulary by five words! I hope I can try to use them when I visit the island!
That’s great to read! Hope you get to use it one day.
This was a very interesting read. I did not realize that one Sicilian Italian? had different words than Italian. When we were one Italy we were told eat translates to “mangi” or “mangia” let’s eat. We also used andiamo for let’s go. We hope to visit Sicily one day. We were never able to make it there when we were in italy for two months 🙁
You’re absolutely right about mangia and andiamo, but Sicilians like to have their own dialect!
This is a very unique post ? and I love it! I know that, it is very important, to the locals, to hear tourists try (at least!)to speak their own language. I, myself, whenever and I get to somewhere new, I try to say some words in the local language. It is funny though, that after this, they continue talking in their language ?? glad to see that some others have the same ideas as I do ? keep it up!
Thank you! Sicilian is a very unique dialect, and so I thought I’d help out those unaware with the vocabulary!
I love using local phrases and slang when I travel around the world. To me, that provides me with a more authentic travel experience and a better glimpse into their daily lives and cultural traditions. I wish I was better at learning languages, but learning a few essential phrases such as hello and goodbye isn’t too strenuous and is so important. Great choices!
Thank you! I think it’s really important to know a few words and phrases when abroad; it gets you far!
This is just great. Although I am not too language inclined, words I can certainly do easily. I think speaking to a local in their language, even if it is just words, is always appreciated by most. Shows that a traveller is trying to learn something and people do find it amusing but in a nice way. A minchia post… I hope I used it correctly. Ha!!
You did, well done! It’s a cool language to know, and impressive to the Sicilians when you say something in their dialect 🙂
I always like to try and speak a bit of the local language when I travel, even if it’s basic phrases like “hello” and “please” or “thank you”. This post is definitely helpful for those travelling to Sicily (not been there myself… yet!). Minchia sounds like a fun word hehe 😉 x
Ha, yes it’s really a memorable one!
I would definitely like to learn to speak Italian like a Sicilian. My neighborhood in New York City used to be a Sicilian neighborhood and there are still a lot of Italian/Sicilian restaurants and shops. I would definitely like to try saying Spacchiuso to one of the Sicilian shopkeepers in my neighborhood to see how they react. I think Italian in general is a very beautiful language.
Yes, I’m aware there’s a big Sicilian community there in New York. Ha, you should try it, I’d be keen to see their reaction 😀
Brilliant article, loved your selection of words and phrases! I live and blog from Sicily and so you’ve given me a great idea for a post. Thanks!
You have a beautiful blog by the way.
Aw thank you! We’ll be returning tomorrow to Catania! Where do you live? 🙂
What an interesting read. I did not know that there was a different dialect. I think learning the local language is always a good start to a trip.
Absolutely, it really helps!
I think when traveling to a new destination it’s a nice gesture to learn couple of words or phrases. Thanks for the write up
Thank you for your comments, I appreciate it!
I am Sicilian (2nd generation – in fact my Grandfather was from Corleone!) but have cousins still in Palermo. The first swear words I was taught was minchia xxxxx which was the English equivalent of eff off or go eff yourself. LOL – still remember it 50 years later. I was just in Sicily late last year and yes, how you use it is totally based on context there. Love visiting Sicily and southern Italy. And yes, the Sicilian dialect is totally different from the “high Italian” you would hear in Milano or Firenze. I’ve tried to teach myself Italian and I have a very hard time understanding Sicilian.
I’ve been speaking Italian for 3 years, and cannot understand Sicilian! The pronunciation’s hard to understand too!
I lived and worked in Sicily in the 60’s & 70’……what an experience that was, still love everything Sicilian; I did learn Italian well, but never fully mastered spoken Sicilian; but I understand it….unusual & colouful language… which the island also is… over the years have been back several times…it draws you in after living there… memories flood in as a teenager out of her depth from rainy old England; dropped in a land of compassion; warmth, amazing food ; extraordinary people…at the height of Mafia influence I got caught up occasionally in the mayhem of it all…unusual times to reflect back on….I worked got the first Thomson Holiday Hotel on the island pre tourism big time….
Thanks so much Gail for sharing your story! I bet it was an interesting time back then. We return each year for the holidays; in fact we’re seeing the west coast this time around 😀
My Sicilian immigrant grandma used to call all the kids something that sounded like “chickenaida” or “chichinaida” and squeeze and kiss our cheeks. In 100 year old Sicinian slang what would that mean? Thanks!
Hi Gina, from what you’ve told me, it could mean a term of endearment for ‘little one’, ie another way of saying ‘piccolina’ 🙂