6 way to Piss Off an Italian

Avoid these and you’ll stay on their good side!

Remember when growing up, you were always more well behaved at a friend’s house than in your own home? Well, when it comes to traveling you want follow that same principle. Every country has their cultural quirks, and as a tourist you always want to be as respectful as possible when visiting.

We are merely there to observe and experience the beauty of the land and people. Here we tell you what NOT to do so you stay on the Italians’ good side and get invited back next summer.

1. Put Ice cubes in your wine

We get it: It’s hot! This is, however, a one way ticket to making an Italian cringe.

This is not only a major cultural faux pas, but also a slap in the face to winemakers everywhere! Ice cubes will not only dilute your gorgeous Chianti, but the pH level of the water in the ice cube could also react with wine and totally change the flavor.

If you need your grape juice chilled, you can always place the bottle in an ice bucket, or opt out for an Aperol Spritz - the exception to this ice cube rule. Respect the grapes and you might just get invited back to dinner.

2. Tell an Italian to calm down or lower their voice

I write this not only for Italians, but for women everywhere. Telling someone to calm down when they’re upset will most likely result in fired up rage. To be told to “calm down” when you’re experiencing anger or frustration can feel like someone isn’t acknowledging your emotions or experience - also known as gaslighting. Yikes!

Pro tip: listen and acknowledge their experience! This allows people to feel heard and respected. They’re still too loud? Excuse yourself and move tables.

4. Overcook the pasta

Whenever you see the cooking instructions on pasta, cook it for 2 minutes less. Italians like their pasta “al dente” meaning "to the tooth". There should be a slight bite to your noodle, a tiny amount of resistance when you bite into it.

What you're looking to avoid are noodles so soft that they lose all their texture and are on the verge of turning into cafeteria mush. To overcook pasta in Italy is a huge disgrace. Good luck gaining respect from Nonna after that disaster.

4. Pronounce Italian food names incorrectly

Some of us have a knack for languages, and some of us just don’t. With the assistance of technology and countless translation apps, there aren’t enough excuses nowadays. Take a quick Italian language course, or binge some Youtube videos before you embark on your grand European voyage. Saying Italian words with your American twang is a great way to ruin your new friendships. Recite the menu in your hotel room a few times if you have to, whatever it takes to do their food justice.

5. Order American dishes that you THINK are Italian

Alfredo sauce, Italian dressing, Italian wedding soup, and garlic bread are just a few of the dishes that have been incorrectly labeled as Italian.

And if you’re one of those who drenches their spaghetti in ketchup, or even worse… puts pineapple on their pizza - well, you may just get thrown out!

Do yourself a favor and do a little research before you land in Naples. Thank me later.

6. Equate Northern Italy with Southern Italy

It’s like saying NorCal and SoCal- or USA and Canada - are the same. They just aren’t… From culinary trends and fashion, to punculatity differences and work life balances, there are several characteristics that makes these two regions very different. Northern Italy gains much influence from its bordering central European countries, whereas Southern Italy has a lot of influence from Spain and Greece - and even some culinary influence from the Middle East. To know these differences will show that you’ve done your homework and that you’re not totally ignorant.

Well, you’ve officially been warned! We hope you’ve taken notes with the purpose of respecting Italians everywhere and holding onto your dignity. Avoid these and you’ll have a much easier time making friends with the locals on your next Italian vacation.