Your Own Personal Hell
One thing to keep in mind when considering the invective "Go to Hell!" are the cultural differences between the U.S. and Italy. American English speakers, for instance, should take notice that mentioning Hell is not blasphemous in Italy, where Va' all'inferno! (Go to Hell!) is a milder phrase than Vaffanculo! (Up yours!). As a native Italian points out with regard to similar terms, "Gesù!" (Jesus!) is more an elderly lady's pious interjection than a blasphemous one. "Cristo!", on the other hand, is not exactly blasphemous but some people might resent the use of the word as an interjection.
Hellish Vocabulary
Whenever using any of these Italian expletives—whether mild or harsh—be aware that context is critical. While muttering Va' a quel Paese! to your friends won't even lift an eyebrow, some of the more creative vituperations listed below should only be used if you're absolutely certain that those within earshot won't be offended. Here are some ways, then, to tell someone to "Go to Hell!" in Italian:
Mild expressions:
Va' a quel Paese
Va' a ranare
Va' al diavolo
Va' all'inferno
Va' in mona (regional Venetian)
Va' un po'...
Vaffambagno
Less mild:
Vaffantasca
Harsh:
Va' a farti fottere
Va' a dar via 'l culo (regional Northern Italian)
Vaffanculo
Road Sign For Literary Fame
So the next time someone provokes you, you'll have a number of ways to express your indignation. And if for some reason, someone tells you to "Go to Hell!" in Italian, consider it a directive for success. After all, Dante Alighieri figuratively went to Hell in order to write L'Inferno, the first volume of his three-part epic La Divina Commedia.
