Italians use body language and hand gestures to punctuate an expression and give it a shading that the word or phrase itself lacks. The Italian hand gestures illustrated here are some of the more common gestures that are recognized in the country. Be aware that, like dialects, certain hand signals can mean different things within different regions—and can have completely different interpretations in other cultures. Practice these gestures on your Italian friends first to be sure you've got the right movement, otherwise a potentially embarrassing situation could develop.
Chissà che è?!
English translation: Who knows what it is?!
Mettersi il paraocchi.
English translation: To put on blinders. (just to see things one way)
È un po' toccato.
English translation: He's a little crazy.
Giuro.
English translation: I swear it.
Fumare.
English translation: Got a smoke?
Me ne frego.
English translation: I don't give a damn.
Scusi, devo andare al bagno.
English translation: I have to go to the bathroom.
OK!
English translation: OK!
Che curve!
English translation: What a body!
[Mangia, mangia!] No grazie!
English translation: No thank you, I'm full/not hungry/sick.
Rubare.
English translation: He's a robber.
Se l'intendono.
English translation: They're in this together; they understand each other.
