25 Italian Insults That'll Make You Sound Like a Native

Italians are known for their passionate expressions, and their language is no exception. From hand gestures to fiery exclamations, Italian communication is colorful and full of emotion. A big part of that charm is the creative use of Italian insults, which range from lighthearted teasing to full-on verbal warfare. Understanding these expressions isn’t just about learning the literal translations—it’s about grasping their cultural significance and knowing when (and when not) to use them. Whether bantering with friends or watching a heated argument unfold in the piazza, mastering these phrases can make you sound like a true local. So, let's get started.

25 Italian Insults and What They Mean

Italian curse words and insults go together like wine and pasta, but that doesn't mean that you should go around saying these things to anyone. Yes, Italians commonly use many swear words and insults in a joking or friendly manner, but it's important to understand what these things literally translate to so you can avoid getting yourself in a sticky situation. Still, the most commonly used Italian insults are often lighthearted and can be used as a gesture amongst friends. To help you fit in with this part of Italian culture, here are 25 Italian insults and what they mean.

1. Coglioni – Idiot

One of the most common Italian insults, coglioni literally translates to “testicles.” It's often used to call someone stupid or unintelligent. For example, “Sei un coglione!” (You’re an idiot!). Despite its crude origin, it’s frequently heard in both playful and serious contexts. Use this playfully with friends, but avoid it in formal or unfamiliar situations to prevent offense.

2. Rompicoglioni – Testicle Breaker

Literally meaning “testicle breaker,” rompicoglioni is used for someone who is annoying or nagging. It’s similar to calling someone a “pain in the ass” in English. “Non fare il rompicoglioni!” (Don’t be such a pain!). Great for teasing close friends, but don’t use it in professional settings or toward authority figures.

3. Rompicazzo – Dick Breaker

Another extremely common variation of "rompicoglioni," rompicazzo uses cazzo (an Italian slang term for penis) instead of coglioni. It carries the same meaning (someone who is nagging or being fussy) but with a sharper edge. You may eventually use this in heated arguments or among very close friends, but steer clear of polite company—it’s considered quite vulgar.

4. Cazzone or Minchione – Big Idiot

Both cazzone (big dick) and minchione (derived from minchia, slang for penis) are used to insult someone’s intelligence. You might hear, “Che cazzone sei!” (What a big idiot you are!). Adjust the ending based on gender: cazzona for females. It works in casual, humorous exchanges, but avoid using it with people you don’t know well.

5. Cagacazzo or Cagaminchia – Dick Shitter

Both phrases translate roughly to “dick shitter” but are used to describe someone irritating. It’s common among close friends who are being playful yet annoyed. It can also be used in the same way as "rompicoglioni" to call someone a pain in the ass. Commonly playful among close friends, but it’s not appropriate in formal conversations or with strangers.

6. Stronzo – Asshole or Turd

Stronzo is a versatile insult meaning anything from “asshole” to “bastard” to “turd.” It’s used when someone behaves poorly or disrespectfully. For women, the feminine version is stronza (often translated as "bitch"). However, it can still be considered quite playful since the literal translation is nothing too insulting.

7. Sfigato – Loser

Sfigato is a way to call someone a loser, but it carries a nuance of bad luck as well. It’s often directed at someone who consistently finds themselves in unfortunate or embarrassing situations. For example, “Sei proprio uno sfigato!” (You’re such a loser!). While not as harsh as other insults, it can still sting, especially when used in a mocking tone. It’s relatively mild for playful teasing but avoid it when someone’s feelings are already hurt.

8. Faccia di Culo – Assface

This insult targets someone’s shamelessness or audacity. Calling someone faccia di culo suggests they have the nerve to act brazenly without embarrassment. For example, “Hai la faccia di culo a dire una cosa del genere!” (You’ve got a lot of nerve to say something like that!). It’s strong and direct, often used in moments of frustration or disbelief. Don't use this around polite company or children.

9. Rincoglionito – Are You Out of Your Mind?

Rincoglionito is typically used when someone is acting scatterbrained or irrational, often implying a loss of mental sharpness. It can range from playful banter to a serious reprimand. “Sei rincoglionito o cosa?” (Are you out of your mind, or what?) It’s especially common among friends but should be used carefully with strangers.

10. Morto di Figa – Poonhound

This colorful phrase paints a picture of a man who is excessively obsessed with chasing women, often to the point of ridicule. Morto di figa literally means “dead for pussy,” implying desperation. You might hear, “È un morto di figa, non pensa ad altro!” (He’s a poonhound; he thinks of nothing else!). It’s often used humorously, though it can be degrading if taken seriously. Best to avoid it in mixed or unfamiliar company.

11. Segaiolo – Wanker

Derived from sega (masturbation), segaiolo is used to demean someone as pathetic, lazy, or ineffectual. Comparable to the British slang “wanker,” it’s often directed at someone considered useless or annoying. For instance, “Che segaiolo inutile!” (What a useless wanker!). It carries a negative connotation, so use it with caution in conversations.

12. Leccaculo – Asslicker

Leccaculo is the Italian equivalent of “brown-noser” or “bootlicker,” referring to someone who excessively flatters or sucks up to those in power. For example, “È solo un leccaculo del capo.” (He’s just the boss’s asslicker.) It’s often used in work or school environments to criticize someone who gains favor through sycophantic behavior. Still, you shouldn't use it in formal situations.

13. Mezza Sega – Pipsqueak

Mezza sega literally means “half a saw,” and it’s used to diminish someone’s worth, strength, or competence. Calling someone this implies they’re weak, insignificant, or not up to the task. “Sei una mezza sega, non puoi farlo!” (You’re a pipsqueak; you can’t do it!). While not as vulgar as others, it’s still cutting and meant to belittle. This Italian insult works for teasing friends but can feel demeaning if said in anger or to someone sensitive.

14. Pezzo di Merda – Piece of Shit

A straightforward and highly offensive insult, pezzo di merda is reserved for moments of extreme anger or disdain. It conveys utter contempt and disrespect, so it’s not something to be thrown around lightly. “Sei un pezzo di merda!” (You’re a piece of shit!) is a phrase that can end friendships or escalate confrontations, so use it sparingly and with caution. When in doubt, avoid this phrase.

Some Mild Swear Words and Insults in Italian to Use More Casually

There are also several Italian insults and Italian swear words that are much less vulgar. These often use animals or body parts and are common amongst native Italians. However, just because they're milder than some others doesn't mean they're not still insulting—so tread carefully! If you have doubts, ask a native Italian speaker that you match with on Tandem for some clarification today.

15. Porca miseria – Bloody hell!

16. Porca vacca – What the heck!

17. Porca madonna – Holy cow!

18. Una vera cazzata – A load of crap

19. Hai la faccia come il culo – You’ve got a lot of nerve!

Italian Insults to Use With Caution

Some Italian insults are vulgar and extremely offensive, so they should be used with extreme caution or avoided altogether. However, they are part of the Italian language and can be good to know, if not only to omit them from your conversations. Here are a few of the stronger Italian insults to help you understand. 

20. Cornuto – Cuckold

Cornuto refers to a man whose partner is cheating on him, symbolized by the metaphorical “horns” of infidelity. In Italian culture, this insult carries a deep stigma, as it questions a man’s honor and his ability to maintain control over his personal life. For example, “È un cornuto e lo sanno tutti!” (He’s a cuckold, and everyone knows it!). This insult is particularly damaging because it not only offends the individual but also tarnishes their reputation within the community. This is taboo in Italian culture and should never be used unless you’re looking for (very) serious conflict.

21. Vaffanculo – Go Fuck Yourself

Arguably one of the most infamous Italian insults, vaffanculo is a contraction of vai a fare in culo, meaning “go do it in the ass.” This phrase is a powerful way to tell someone off and is considered highly vulgar. For instance, “Vai a quel paese, vaffanculo!” (Go to hell, go ffuck yourself!). It’s used in moments of extreme anger and can escalate a situation quickly. Avoid using this unless you are fully aware of the consequences.

22. Vaffanculo a Chi T’è Morto – Fuck Your Dead Family

This is an extremely offensive variation of vaffanculo that goes far beyond typical vulgarity by disrespecting the deceased. Vaffanculo a chi t’è morto literally translates to “go fuck your dead family,” attacking both the person and their family in a profoundly personal way. In Italian culture, where family and respect for the deceased are highly valued, this insult is one of the worst things you can say. Due to its severity, we strongly recommend you avoid this Italian insult.

23. Scassacazzo – Cock Smasher

Similar to rompicoglioni but with a more intense edge, scassacazzo describes someone who is an extreme nuisance. It combines scassare (to smash or break) with cazzo (a slang term for penis), making it both vulgar and highly offensive. You might hear, “Non fare lo scassacazzo!” (Stop being such a nuisance!), but only in very heated arguments. Reserve using this among friends when venting your frustration, but never casually with the intent to insult someone directly.

24. Figlio di Puttana – Son of a Whore

Figlio di puttana is an extremely derogatory insult that targets the individual and their family, specifically their mother. In Italian culture, family is sacred, and insulting someone’s mother is seen as a severe offense. “Sei un figlio di puttana!” (You’re a son of a whore!) is a phrase that can trigger intense anger and even violence. This insult should be avoided entirely unless you want to burn bridges.

25. Porca Troia – Dirty Whore

Porca troia is a deeply offensive phrase combining porca (sow) and troia (whore). It’s often used to express extreme frustration or anger, but it’s also a direct attack on someone’s character. For example, “Che porca troia di situazione!” (What a dirty whore of a situation!) shows how vulgar it can be even when not aimed at a person. However, using it towards someone is far worse, as it implies severe disrespect and degradation. If you're going to use it to describe a situation, do so amongst friends but never use it directed at someone else.

Practice Learning How to Insult in Italian

To practice your newly acquired knowledge of Italian insults, download Tandem today! With millions of members worldwide, you can match with an Italian speaker without moving to Italy. Having real-world conversations with like-minded individuals will help you build your skills, from basic Italian grammar to Italian verb conjugation and everything in between. Who knows, you might even make some lifelong friends along the way! All you need to do is create a profile, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. Sign up for Tandem today to join our community and improve your Italian!