Have you ever watched a TV series in Italian and thought: “What did they just say?!” TV series are a great resource for learning authentic expressions. With this article you will learn 12 colloquial Italian expressions used in the Italian dubbing of Stranger Things, the ones you will often hear in everyday conversations.
12 Italian Expressions from Stranger Things
1. Banale Nullità [Bland Nobody]
Context in the Series
In episode 1 of season 2, Jonathan Byers tries to comfort his younger brother Will, who has been teased at school with the nickname “Zombie Boy”. To reassure him and make him understand that being different is not a flaw, Jonathan tells him: “Va bene? E preferisco essere amico di Zombie Boy che di una banale nullità.” [Okay? And I’d rather be friends with Zombie Boy than with a bland nobody.]
What Does It Mean?
This expression is made up of two words:
Banale, which indicates something ordinary, predictable, without originality, and Nullità, which describes an insignificant person, lacking value or personality. So a “banale nullità” is a person completely lacking interest, boring, who has nothing special about them. It is quite a strong insult.
Examples
- “Non voglio passare il sabato sera con quelle banali nullità. Andiamo da un’altra parte.” [I don’t want to spend Saturday night with those bland nobodies. Let’s go somewhere else.]
- “Il nuovo collega? Una banale nullità. Non ha mai un’opinione su niente.” [The new colleague? A bland nobody. He never has an opinion on anything.]
Linguistic Note
In Italian we often use “nullità” to indicate a worthless person. You can also simply say “Sei una nullità!” [You’re a nobody!] if you want to be more direct.
2. Essere in Gambissima [To Be Really Capable]
Context in the Series
In episode 6 of season 2, Lucas Sinclair tries to win over Max Mayfield, the girl who just moved to Hawkins and whom he really likes. While the two are alone, Lucas wants to let her know how much he admires her and, looking into her eyes, tells her: “E tu sei forte, sei diversa e sei in gambissima.” [And you’re strong, you’re different and you’re really capable.]
What Does It Mean?
The base expression is “essere in gamba”, which means to be a capable, intelligent, sharp person, who knows how to do things well. Here we have “in gambissima”, with the absolute superlative -issima, which makes the expression even stronger: it means to be very capable, truly exceptional.
Examples
- “La mia nuova avvocata è in gambissima: ha risolto tutto in una settimana.” [My new lawyer is really capable: she solved everything in a week.]
- “Tuo figlio è proprio in gamba. A soli 10 anni parla già tre lingue.” [Your son is really capable. At only 10 years old he already speaks three languages.]
Warning
“Essere in gamba” is only used for people, not for things. So it’s correct to say “Marco è in gamba”, but you cannot say “Questo computer è in gamba”.
3. Essere Fuori Strada [To Be Way Off]
Context in the Series
In episode 4 of season 4, we find Max Mayfield again, now an integral part of the group. When someone suggests she spend time in Mike Wheeler’s basement, she categorically refuses with her direct personality: “Se credi che passerò quello che sembra essere il mio ultimo giorno di vita nel lurido scantinato di Mike Wheeler, sei fuori strada.” [If you think I’m going to spend what seems to be my last day alive in Mike Wheeler’s filthy basement, you’re way off.]
What Does It Mean?
Literally, “fuori strada” indicates someone who has taken the wrong direction, who is not on the right road. Figuratively it means to be completely wrong, to have a totally mistaken idea of the situation.
Examples
- “Pensi che io abbia rubato i tuoi soldi? Sei completamente fuori strada.” [You think I stole your money? You’re completely way off.]
- “Se credi che ti presterò la macchina dopo quello che è successo, sei fuori strada.” [If you think I’ll lend you my car after what happened, you’re way off.]
Similar Expressions
| Expression | Register |
|---|---|
| Sei fuori! [You’re out of it!] | More colloquial |
| Ti sbagli di grosso! [You’re very wrong!] | Standard |
| Non ci siamo proprio! [We’re not even close!] | Colloquial |
4. Che Cosa Cavolo…? [What the Heck…?]
Context in the Series
In episode 3 of season 2, once again Max Mayfield stands out for her frank temperament. When she witnesses something unexpected that leaves her surprised and irritated, she reacts by exclaiming: “Ma che cosa cavolo fai?” [But what the heck are you doing?]
What Does It Mean?
“Cavolo” is a euphemism, that is, a more polite word that replaces a vulgar word. It is used to express surprise, anger or frustration in a less offensive way.
Examples
- “Che cavolo stai dicendo?” [What the heck are you saying?]
- “Ma dove cavolo sei andato?” [Where the heck did you go?]
- “Cavolo! Ho dimenticato le chiavi.” [Heck! I forgot the keys.]
Other Italian Euphemisms
| Euphemism | Usage |
|---|---|
| Accidenti! [Darn!] | Generic exclamation |
| Mannaggia! [Dang it!] | Expression of frustration |
| Porca miseria! [Darn it!] | Expresses anger |
Linguistic Note
Cabbage is a vegetable very present in Italian expressions: “Non me ne importa un cavolo” [I don’t give a heck], “Fatti i cavoli tuoi” [Mind your own business], “Col cavolo!” [No way!] (to say “absolutely not”).
5. Rompiscatole Testa Calda [Pain in the Neck Hothead]
Context in the Series
In episode 3 of season 5, Jim Hopper, the sheriff of Hawkins and Eleven’s adoptive father, confronts the girl after yet another moment of tension. With his typical gruff but affectionate tone, exasperated by her impulsive behavior, he tells her: “Sei una rompiscatole testa calda, lo sai, sì?” [You’re a pain in the neck hothead, you know that, right?]
What Does It Mean?
Here we have two expressions together:
Rompiscatole indicates an annoying person, who always causes problems, who won’t leave you alone (it’s also a more polite version of another more vulgar expression).
Testa calda describes an impulsive person, who acts without thinking, who gets angry easily. A “rompiscatole testa calda” is therefore someone who is both annoying and impulsive.
Examples
- “Mio fratello è un vero rompiscatole: mi chiama dieci volte al giorno.” [My brother is a real pain in the neck: he calls me ten times a day.]
- “Non fare il testa calda. Pensa prima di parlare.” [Don’t be a hothead. Think before you speak.]
6. Non Me Ne Fotte Niente [I Don’t Give a Damn]
Context in the Series
In episode 3 of season 5, when his sister comes to call him for dinner, Derek responds with a calm and bored tone: “Non me ne fotte niente della mamma.” [I don’t give a damn about mom.]
Warning: Vulgar Expression
What Does It Mean?
It means “I don’t care at all”, but in a very strong and rude way. The verb “fottere” is vulgar, so this expression is only used in very informal contexts, among close friends, or when you are very angry.
More Polite Alternatives
| Expression | Level of Formality |
|---|---|
| Non me ne importa niente [I don’t care at all] | Neutral |
| Non mi interessa [I’m not interested] | Formal |
| Non me ne può fregar di meno [I couldn’t care less] | Colloquial (still a bit strong) |
| Me ne infischio [I don’t give a hoot] | Colloquial but not vulgar |
Advice
If you are learning Italian, it’s important to understand these expressions when you hear them, but be careful when using them: they could offend someone if used in the wrong context.
7. Annaspare [To Flounder]
Context in the Series
In episode 1 of season 4, we meet Eddie Munson, the charismatic leader of the Hellfire Club, the Dungeons & Dragons club at Hawkins High School. While talking to his companions in the school cafeteria, he admits with irony: “Io annaspo a fatica verso una D nei compiti della O’Donnell.” [I barely flounder my way to a D on O’Donnell’s assignments.]
What Does It Mean?
Annaspare has two meanings:
in the literal meaning, it indicates moving arms and legs in a disorderly way, like when you are about to drown in water;
in the figurative meaning, it means to struggle a lot, to be in great difficulty, to not be able to carry something forward. In the context of the series, Eddie is saying that he struggles a lot at school, that he barely manages to get passing grades.
Examples
- “Sto annaspando con questo progetto: è troppo difficile.” [I’m floundering with this project: it’s too difficult.]
- “Dopo aver perso il lavoro, annaspa per arrivare a fine mese.” [After losing his job, he’s struggling to make ends meet.]
- “Nuota malissimo: quando entra in acqua, annaspa come un pesce fuor d’acqua.” [He swims terribly: when he gets in the water, he flounders like a fish out of water.]
8. Rimanere di Stucco [To Be Dumbfounded]
Context in the Series
In episode 1 of season 5, Robin Buckley, the ironic and sarcastic friend of Steve Harrington, tells over the radio about an episode that completely threw her off. Describing her reaction of total amazement, she says referring to herself: “[…] …la sottoscritta è rimasta di stucco.” [[…] …yours truly was dumbfounded.]
What Does It Mean?
Rimanere di stucco means to be very surprised, astonished, speechless. It’s like remaining motionless from surprise, as if you had become a statue. “Stucco” is a material used in construction, which becomes hard when it dries. The image is that of a person who remains still, rigid, as if they were made of stucco.
Examples
- “Quando ho saputo che Marco si sposava, sono rimasto di stucco.” [When I found out Marco was getting married, I was dumbfounded.]
- “La notizia mi ha lasciato di stucco: non me l’aspettavo proprio.” [The news left me dumbfounded: I really didn’t expect it.]
Similar Expressions
| Expression | Image Evoked |
|---|---|
| Rimanere di sasso [To be petrified] | Petrified like a stone |
| Rimanere a bocca aperta [To be left open-mouthed] | Visible physical amazement |
| Restare senza parole [To be left speechless] | Inability to speak |
| Rimanere di sale [To turn to salt] | Biblical reference to Lot’s wife |
9. Dare un Taglio / Diamoci un Taglio [To Cut It Out / Let’s Cut It Out]
Context in the Series
In episode 7 of season 5, Murray Bauman, the eccentric former journalist and private investigator who has helped the group on several occasions, intervenes during a discussion that is dragging on too long. With his direct and pragmatic manner, he tries to bring the other person back to reality by saying: “[…] quindi diamoci un taglio netto.” [[…] so let’s make a clean break.]
What Does It Mean?
Dare un taglio means to stop doing something, to end it, to knock it off. It is used when you want to tell someone (or yourself) to stop a behavior. “Taglio netto” adds emphasis: it means to stop completely, without half measures.
Examples
- “Dacci un taglio con queste lamentele.” [Cut it out with these complaints.]
- “Ho dato un taglio ai dolci: voglio dimagrire.” [I’ve cut out sweets: I want to lose weight.]
- “Ragazzi, diamoci un taglio e torniamo a lavorare.” [Guys, let’s cut it out and get back to work.]
Warning
Don’t confuse “dacci un taglio” (stop) with “farsi un taglio” (which means to get a haircut or to accidentally cut yourself).
10. Secchione / Secchiona [Nerd / Bookworm]
Context in the Series
In episode 6 of season 3, Dustin Henderson, the nerdiest member of the group, addresses Erica during a conversation. When she makes a comment that he finds too optimistic or unrealistic, he teases her by saying: “Pensavo che fossi più realista, secchiona.” [I thought you were more realistic, nerd.]
What Does It Mean?
A secchione (or a secchiona) is a student who studies a lot, who spends all their time on books. In Italian it often has a negative connotation, as if the person were boring or had no social life. It’s similar to the English “nerd” or “bookworm”, but more specific to studying.
Examples
- “Non fare il secchione. Vieni a fare una pausa con noi.” [Don’t be such a nerd. Come take a break with us.]
- “Era la secchiona della classe: prendeva sempre 10.” [She was the class nerd: she always got top marks.]
Origin of the Expression
The origin of the expression comes from the “secchio” (bucket) used to carry water. The idea is that the student continuously “carries” information into their head, as if filling a bucket.
Similar Words
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sgobbone [Grind] | Someone who works or studies a lot |
| Primo della classe [Top of the class] | The best at school (can be positive or negative) |
11. Tonto / Tonta [Dumb / Silly]
Context in the Series
In episode 8 of season 3, we find Robin Buckley again, already encountered in the previous expression, while working at the Scoops Ahoy ice cream shop alongside Steve Harrington. After a moment when Steve doesn’t understand something obvious, Robin, with her typical biting humor, tells him: “Sei proprio un tonto.” [You really are dumb.]
What Does It Mean?
Tonto means stupid, foolish, not very intelligent. It is a light insult, often used affectionately among friends.
Examples
- “Ma sei tonto? Ti ho detto di girare a destra, non a sinistra.” [Are you dumb? I told you to turn right, not left.]
- “Non fare il tonto: so che hai capito benissimo.” [Don’t play dumb: I know you understood perfectly.]
Intensity Scale
| Term | Intensity |
|---|---|
| Tonto [Dumb] | Light |
| Sciocco [Silly] | Light |
| Stupido [Stupid] | Medium |
| Cretino [Jerk] | Stronger |
| Idiota [Idiot] | Strong |
Cultural Note
Tonto is also the name of the character from the western movies with Lone Ranger. In Spanish and Italian, his name literally means “stupid”.
12. Piantare in Asso [To Leave Someone High and Dry]
Context in the Series
In episode 2 of season 3, Eleven and Mike Wheeler are going through a tense moment in their relationship. After yet another argument, Eleven, tired of the boy’s behavior, confronts him and tells him: “Ti pianto in asso.” [I’m leaving you high and dry.]
What Does It Mean?
Piantare in asso means to suddenly abandon someone, to leave them alone in a moment of need or without warning. It’s an expression that indicates an abrupt abandonment, often when the other person doesn’t expect it. The origin of the expression is uncertain: some connect it to card games, where the ace can be the lowest card, others to the Greek myth of Ariadne abandoned by Theseus on the island of Naxos (from which “in Nasso” supposedly became “in asso”).
Examples
- “Mi ha piantato in asso proprio il giorno del trasloco: ho dovuto fare tutto da solo.” [He left me high and dry right on moving day: I had to do everything by myself.]
- “Non puoi piantarmi in asso così, avevamo un accordo.” [You can’t leave me high and dry like this, we had a deal.]
- “Il mio socio mi ha piantato in asso e ora devo gestire l’azienda da solo.” [My business partner left me high and dry and now I have to run the company by myself.]
Similar Expressions
| Expression | Register |
|---|---|
| Lasciare in braghe di tela [To leave someone in a lurch] | Colloquial |
| Lasciare a piedi [To leave someone stranded] | Standard |
| Mollare qualcuno [To ditch someone] | Colloquial |
Summary
| Expression | Meaning | Register | Quick Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banale nullità [Bland nobody] | Insignificant person | Informal/Insult | “È una banale nullità“ [He’s a bland nobody] |
| Essere in gambissima [To be really capable] | To be very capable | Colloquial | “Sei in gambissima“ [You’re really capable] |
| Essere fuori strada [To be way off] | To be completely wrong | Standard | “Sei fuori strada“ [You’re way off] |
| Che cosa cavolo? [What the heck?] | Exclamation (euphemism) | Colloquial | “Che cavolo fai?“ [What the heck are you doing?] |
| Rompiscatole [Pain in the neck] | Annoying person | Colloquial | “Sei un rompiscatole“ [You’re a pain in the neck] |
| Testa calda [Hothead] | Impulsive person | Standard | “Non fare la testa calda“ [Don’t be a hothead] |
| Non me ne fotte [I don’t give a damn] | I don’t care | Vulgar | To be avoided in formal contexts |
| Annaspare [To flounder] | To struggle, to be in difficulty | Standard | “Sto annaspando“ [I’m floundering] |
| Rimanere di stucco [To be dumbfounded] | To be surprised | Standard | “Sono rimasto di stucco“ [I was dumbfounded] |
| Dare un taglio [To cut it out] | To stop doing something | Colloquial | “Dacci un taglio“ [Cut it out] |
| Secchione/a [Nerd/Bookworm] | Student who studies a lot | Colloquial | “È un secchione” [He’s a nerd] |
| Tonto/a [Dumb/Silly] | Stupid, foolish | Colloquial/Light | “Sei proprio tonto“ [You’re really dumb] |
| Piantare in asso [To leave high and dry] | To suddenly abandon someone | Standard | “Mi ha piantato in asso“ [He left me high and dry] |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use All These Expressions in Formal Contexts?
No, most of these expressions are colloquial and should be used in informal contexts, with friends or family. Expressions like “Non me ne fotte niente” are vulgar and should be avoided in formal situations. Also “rompiscatole”, “cavolo” and “tonto” should be reserved for casual conversations.
Why Do Italians Use “Cavolo” as a Euphemism?
In Italian, “cavolo” is one of the most common euphemisms because it starts with the same letter as the vulgar word it replaces. It’s a way to express frustration or surprise without being offensive. Other vegetables like “capperi” are used in the same way.
What Is the Difference Between “Tonto” and “Stupido”?
“Tonto” is a lighter and more affectionate insult, often used jokingly among friends. “Stupido” is more direct and can be more offensive. You can call a friend “tonto” who has done something silly without them getting offended, while “stupido” could create tension.
How Can I Remember All These Expressions?
The best way is to contextualize them: watch Stranger Things in Italian and try to identify these expressions when they are spoken. Associating an expression with a specific scene from the series will help you remember it better. You can also create flashcards with the expression on one side and the meaning on the other.
Are These Expressions Used Throughout Italy?
The expressions presented in this article are standard Italian and are understood and used throughout Italy. However, every region also has its own dialectal variants. For example, “tonto” is very common in Tuscany, while in other regions they might prefer “fesso” or “scemo”. The Italian dubbing of TV series tends to use neutral Italian, understandable to everyone.
Is Watching TV Series in Italian Useful for Learning the Language?
Yes, TV series offer authentic and contextualized Italian. You hear how expressions are used naturally, with the right tone and appropriate facial expressions. It is advisable to watch first with Italian subtitles, then without subtitles when you feel more confident. Stranger Things is particularly useful because it features young and colloquial dialogue.
Did you find it useful to learn Italian with Stranger Things? Keep improving with the Italian movies best suited to your level: discover them in the dedicated article.
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