The Lombard Language: Speak Like a True Milanese

Italy isn't just a country of beautiful cities and delicious cuisine — it's also a country of dialects. One of the most vibrant and distinctive among them is Lombard, which gives Milan its unique cultural rhythm and tone. While standard Italian reigns supreme in schools and official settings, Milanese dialect adds flavor, character, and a good dose of humor to everyday life. Whether you're traveling to Milan or just want to impress your friends, here’s a quick guide to speaking like a true Milanese.

Features of Milanese Lombard

The Open e”
One of the defining sounds in Milanese is the open e — a vowel sound that gives the dialect its distinctive rhythm and musicality. It can make even an everyday phrase sound dramatic or sarcastic, depending on the tone.

“Il With Nouns
Unlike standard Italian, which often uses il or lo for masculine nouns depending on their spelling, Milanese tends to keep it simple and sticks with il more consistently. It’s a small change, but it gives the dialect its clipped, straightforward feel.

Common Words & Expressions

These are some common Milanese terms and expressions you’ll hear on the street, in the tram, or shouted across the table at a family dinner:

Ue!

The classic Milanese shout to grab someone’s attention. It’s short, punchy, and works in nearly any situation — whether greeting a friend or expressing surprise.

Pirla

A versatile insult meaning idiot or fool. It can be used jokingly among friends or more sharply in an argument. Tone and timing are everything with this one.

Dané

The Milanese word for money. It reflects the city’s deep-rooted business culture and reputation as Italy’s financial capital. If you’re in Milan, talking dané is inevitable.

Bagài

This friendly term means guy or boy. It’s casual and affectionate, used like dude or kid depending on the context.

Matel

A word for a young child, especially a toddler or little kid. You might hear it from grandparents or anyone speaking tenderly about the youngest in the family.

Sciura

Much more than just a lady, a sciura is an elegant, often older Milanese woman. Impeccably dressed, she’s a local icon — usually seen walking her small dog or managing the grocery queue with authority.

Sciur

The male counterpart to sciura. A respectable, well-dressed man, often older and exuding a bit of Milanese gravitas — maybe in a fine coat, on his way to a café or business meeting.

Tusa

A casual and affectionate term for a young woman or girl. Think of it like miss or young lady, often used with warmth or familiarity.

Cadrega

This simply means chair, but it’s become iconic in Milanese humor and regional sketches. The word’s sound is part of the charm — even mundane furniture gets personality here.

Scighera

Refers to the thick fog that often blankets Milan, especially in winter. More than just weather, it captures a kind of atmospheric, poetic mood unique to northern Italy.

Giargiana

A slightly snobbish Milanese term for outsiders — especially those who don’t get the local way of doing things. If you order a cappuccino after noon or can’t park like a pro, you might be labeled a giargiana.

Bigiare

Slang for skipping school or cutting class. If you ever played hooky with your friends, you were bigiando — a term that brings back youthful rebellion for many Milanese adults.

Va a ciapà i rat

Literally Go catch the rats, this expression means Get lost or Go to hell. It’s colorful, hyper-local, and perfect for when someone really gets on your nerves.

Ciulare

A crude but commonly used verb for to steal. You might hear it in street talk or in stories about petty crime — not exactly polite, but very Milanese in tone.

Milanese Vibes in Every Word

Learning a few Milanese expressions isn’t just about vocabulary — it’s about tapping into the city’s unique blend of elegance, sarcasm, and hustle. Whether you're strolling through Brera, riding the metro, or arguing about football, throwing in a few dialect words instantly makes you sound more like a local.