The local language is Italian, of course, but every region, indeed every town in Italy has its own special interpretation of the Italian language, and Livorno is particularly well-known for its colourful dialect and expressions. Below are just a few of the many Livornese words and expressions that you are bound to hear if you spend even the shortest time in the town:
Boia – probably the most frequently uttered word in Livornese speech, it expresses a whole range of feelings ranging from surprise to annoyance.
Dé – competing hotly with ‘boia’ as the most frequently used expression, the terms are often used together, as in ‘boia dé’ to express particular emphasis.
Baci ai bimbi – common form of informal leavetaking, literally ‘kiss the children for me’
Ganzo – Livornese equivalent of ‘cool’ (great)
E regali fì’i – literally this means something like ‘give away figs’, but it is used to emphasise agreement with something.
Vaini - money
Allezzito – a cheapskate
Rufiano – a creep or a bootlicker
Zibillo – full or crowded
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