Are you planning a trip to Sicily? I want to offer you some of the words and expressions that are used daily in Palermo so that you can appreciate the soul of the Sicilian people even more. Sicily is not only about history, art, the sea, arancine, and baked pasta. Sicily is also a language with a vast repertoire of popular expressions that do not require a vocabulary, because the hands, eyebrows, and tone of voice speak for them
Sicilian is an ancient idiom, which carries within it traces of Greek, Arabic, Norman, French, and Spanish. More than its historical roots, what strikes visitors is the Sicilians’ ability to transform a few syllables into a saying, a proverb, or a sentence. In Palermo, popular sayings are common-sense wisdom that arrives like a theatrical coup: they are ironic, often biting, but always true. And if you do not immediately understand the words, do not worry: gestures will complete the message. In Sicily, gesturing is a rich and codified parallel language.
To avoid remaining mute like bewildered tourists, here is a Sicilian mini-phrasebook, divided by typical situations a visitor might find themselves in. This way, you will always have the right word to impress and elicit a smile from the Palermitans.
Greetings and Formalities
In Palermo, it is good manners to always greet everyone, as they say in these parts, “the greeting belongs to the Angels” (“il saluto è degli Angeli”). Manners change depending on the person you are addressing. Usually, simply saying “Ciao” is enough, as it is international, but among older people, you might hear slightly different greetings.
Baciamo le mani (I kiss your hands)
This is a very ancient greeting. It does not refer only to ladies but to anyone who deserves respect. The reply is the same, with the addition of “a vossia,” which means “to your lordship/ladyship”.
Berica, Sabbenerica, Voscenza binirica
In all cases, these expressions mean metaphorically asking for the interlocutor’s blessing. This should be a person of regard. In the past, this is how people would greet parents or elderly relatives. The required response was “biniritto!” (the blessing was granted).
At the Market
Palermo’s historic markets are truly a world apart where you can find everything, and many things at a good price. Fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish are well displayed under the pinnate (the large awnings) ready to be bought. Lately, many businesses have been converted into dining spots, with outdoor tables where you can eat typical, freshly cooked food.
Abbanniari
This means “to shout loudly to sell something”. In the historic markets of Palermo, you will hear the sing-song voices of vendors abbannìano fish, fruit, and spices. It is a concert of popular marketing.
Taliare. Pattiare. Accattari!
Looking at the merchandise (Taliare), bargaining over the price (Pattiare), and finally buying (Accattari!). These are the three steps that lead to the purchase of a good in Sicily. This custom is inherited from Arab countries where it is still typical to agree on a price between the request (usually exaggeratedly inflated) and the proposal (shamefully low).
Tastari, Assa u tasta! (To taste, or “taste it!”)
You will probably hear this many times around the markets where Street Food reigns everywhere with all the good things that can be found in this region. But be careful, in Palermo tastari is not just tasting—it is a ritual and a declaration of intent. The Palermitan does not simply eat: they tastìa. First a bite, then a judgment. If the caponata fails the test, they change trattoria. Tastari is also the elegant way of saying “I’m just trying it,” when you have already finished half the plate. The expert tourist knows this: tastari is the first step towards gastronomic love. The second is asking for seconds (bis).
Useful Expressions
Minchia!
You must start with this Palermitan “magic word”. Interspersed on every occasion, it can express surprise (“Minchia, it’s hot!”), admiration (“Minchia, the Cathedral is beautiful!”), or annoyance (“Minchia, still queuing?”). Be careful not to overuse it, especially in the presence of ladies (gentil sesso).
Bedda matri!
Translatable as “Holy Mother!”. This is the exclamation that comes out when faced with something incredible, funny, or catastrophic. It is an audible calling card: if you say it well, you will immediately gain sympathy.
Amunì
Means “Let’s go!”. It is perfect when it is time to leave together with others, but in certain instances, it can be a form of encouragement: “come on, let’s go,” “stop bothering,” or “come off it!”.
Accura!
Be careful!. This is an appeal to pay attention to any event that might occur, from the most mundane to the most tragic. If in doubt, tu canziati! (move away urgently!).
Camurria
Camurria is not a simple nuisance. It is that thing that sticks to you like sand in your shoes after a visit to Mondello beach. It is the neighbor under the beach umbrella telling you their life story while you try to sleep. It is the heat that won’t let up, the traffic that won’t flow, or the Wi-Fi that won’t connect. In short, it is troublesome boredom, persistent annoyance, the daily torment that makes you say: “Enough, mi arricampu!” (I’m going back home). But rest assured: even camurrie are faced with a smile in Sicily… and perhaps a brioche with ice cream.
Cumpà or compà
This term is used to greet or address a friend, acquaintance, or even a stranger with familiarity, creating immediate confidence. Widespread especially in Western Sicily, it is the friendly equivalent of “compare”. A note of caution: A young stranger might call you Zio (Uncle) or Cuscì (Cousin) even if you are not related at all: it is likely because they want money!.
Futtitinni
You will hear this a great number of times! Roughly translated: “Don’t worry about it” or “forget about it”. But in Sicily, it is much more than advice—it is a Zen art practiced with a granita in hand. Did you miss the bus? Futtitinni. Did the waiter bring sparkling water instead of still? Futtitinni. It is the Palermitan mantra for surviving with style: ignore nuisances, smile, and enjoy life. Those who practice it live better. Those who understand it become almost Sicilian.
Conclusion
You will have understood this much: speaking Sicilian in Palermo is not simple because you do not just open your mouth; you must also move your hands, raise your eyebrows, and tilt your head in the right way. But even if you limit yourself to a well-placed “Amunì” or a spontaneous “Bedda matri!” you will see smiles appear around you because “foreigners” are always welcome here.
The truth is, in Sicily you do not need to speak the language perfectly: you just need to speak with your heart.
