Breakfast No Longer First
Wednesday April 23, 2008
On the About.com Italian Language Forums recently a native Italian pointed out that the expression "prima colazione" is considered outdated or overly formal.
Back in the mid-90's, when I first studied Italian, I learned that breakfast was "la prima colazione." I recall that term being used frequently in textbooks and classrooms, and still see it in hotel menus. No one ever corrected me, even when I said it to my teachers, repeated it to native Italians, and used the expression nonchalantly everywhere in Italy. Next thing you know, they'll tell us that cappuccino should only be served in the morning.
Back in the mid-90's, when I first studied Italian, I learned that breakfast was "la prima colazione." I recall that term being used frequently in textbooks and classrooms, and still see it in hotel menus. No one ever corrected me, even when I said it to my teachers, repeated it to native Italians, and used the expression nonchalantly everywhere in Italy. Next thing you know, they'll tell us that cappuccino should only be served in the morning.
Comments
I’m afraid they were right both time. “Colazione” is good enough without “prima” (although it is not a mistake, it’s not really used by anyone nowadays). And yes, an Italian would never have a cappuccino after breakfast =)
Trust me, I have never ordered a cappuccino after breakfast in Italy. In the U.S., of course, there’s no social custom regarding when it is appropriate (and when it is not appropriate) to order said beverage.
Un salutone,
-Michael
Michael P. San Filippo
About.com Guide to Italian Language
http://italian.about.com
italian.guide@about.com