Add spark to your everyday casual conversation by learning how to use Italian slang and expressions appropriately. Streetwise Italian Dictionary/Thesaurus gets you talking like you're cool without getting you into hot water!

Frustrated by Italian slang? No need to calare le brache (lit., pull down ones pants--surrender), chiudere bottega (lit. to close up shop--to give up), or perdere le staffe (lit., to lose the stirrups--lose ones temper). With this book, you can trovare lAmerica (lit., discover America--find happiness). Inside you will find just the right expression you are looking for instantly. And whimsical illustrations get the message across with laugh-out-loud humor.

Streetwise Italian Dictionary/Thesaurus is a cinch to use for quick reference or browsing, featuring:

• More than 2,500 current terms and expressions
• A–Z thematic arrangement in 34 English themes and 158 subcategories
• Literal meanings, example sentences for context, and entertaining exercises to develop active vocabulary
• Helpful illustrations of 12 typical Italian gestures
• Italian-English dictionary/index that cross-references all 2,500 terms and expressions included in the thesaurus

Worried youll be called un cervello di gallina (lit., hens brain--not too smart)? Whether you're a student, tourist, or business traveler, whatever the topic of your conversation--be it art, health, sex, or work--Streetwise Italian Dictionary/Thesaurus will have you comfortable using slang and talking like you're "with it" in no time at all.

* (lit., sweat seven shirts--work really hard).

Extensive example sentences, together with theirEnglish translations, provide helpful context. Valuablefor all, but particularly those planning travel to Italy,this comprehensive reference reveals the true languageof Italy.