The Neapolitan Language: The Musical Language of Southern Italy

Neapolitan is much more than just a dialect it’s a vibrant language full of history, passion, and culture. Neapolitans are proud of their language and use it frequently. So if you're walking through the streets of Naples, you're sure to hear some typical words and expressions and this article will help you understand them.

A Language of Many Varieties

While Neapolitan is spoken primarily in Naples, you’ll find similar dialects and linguistic flavors stretching along the southern coast and in neighboring regions like Abruzzo, Molise, Basilicata, Calabria, and Puglia. This makes Neapolitan one of the most widely spoken regional languages in Italy, with over six million speakers.

Language of Music and Emotion

Neapolitan isn’t just spoken it’s sung. It’s the language of Neapolitan folk music, known worldwide through traditional songs like ’O Sole Mio and Funiculì Funiculà. You might hear it in the classic canzone napoletana (Neapolitan song) or in modern musica neomelodica, often performed at weddings and celebrations.

Essential Neapolitan Expressions

To truly understand Neapolitan, you need to get familiar with some iconic words and phrases:

Uaglio / Uaglione

A common Neapolitan term meaning guy or dude. It's used to refer to young men or boys informally, similar to saying bro or kid in English. It might also be written with the letter G in front, as guaglione, and it has a feminine counterpart: uagliona or guagliona.

Jamme, jamme bell’

A lively way of saying Let’s go! It's famously heard in the song Funiculì Funiculà and adds an affectionate touch with bell’, short for bella (beautiful), like saying Let’s go, sweetheart!

Uè

An interjection used to get someone’s attention or express surprise. It can mean Hey! or Wow! depending on tone and context, and it’s very common in casual street conversations.

Nu babbà

Literally refers to a soft, syrupy Neapolitan dessert, but colloquially it's used to describe something or someone as excellent, sweet, or delightful e.g., You’re nu babbà!”

State buon

A friendly farewell meaning Take care or Be well. It's often said when parting ways and conveys warm, informal good wishes.

Napule

The Neapolitan pronunciation of Napoli (Naples).

A femmne

The woman. Notice also that in Neapolitan, definite articles are different from standard Italian.

Scugnizzo

A term for a street-smart kid from Naples. Historically, it referred to poor or orphaned children who survived by hustling on the streets.

Pumarola

The Neapolitan word for tomato, a foundational ingredient in local cuisine. It’s essential in sauces like ragù and of course, pizza napoletana.

Tu si na cosa grande

A line from a famous song meaning You are something special or You’re amazing.

Aro

An exclamation similar to Damn! or Whoa! Used to express surprise, annoyance, or amazement.

Aggio

The Neapolitan form of I have (from Italian ho). Often used in place of ho in daily conversation, as in Aggio capito (I understood). It reflects a key grammatical shift from standard Italian.

Monnezza

Slang for trash or garbage. It can refer to literal waste or be used metaphorically to describe something or someone worthless or unpleasant.

Sta città è piena ‘e monnezza.

This city is full of trash.

The Heartbeat of Naples

Neapolitan reflects the warmth, humor, and resilience of the people who speak it. Whether you’re walking through the bustling streets, sharing a meal, or listening to a heartfelt song, this language invites you to experience Naples in a truly authentic way.

So, next time you hear a cheerful Uè, jamme bell’! you’ll know it’s more than words it’s a call to join in the vibrant spirit of Naples.