I am a Second generation 100% Italian-American born in Brooklyn..so I qualify. My Dad's family all from Naples and my Mother's all from Castellamare Del Golfo in Sicily.
Nick names like, "Louie The Lug" "Vinnie Bombatz" "Pissy Eyes"
"Two Ton Tony", "PF" "Wops down below", "Mamaluca", "Frankie Pappa", "Jackie Angels", "Frankie Boy", "Che Che" and a name like "Tony Ronzonni-Sono Buoni" ... they all have an individual story connected to them, each one is a gem ... i.e. "Pissy Eyes" from Bari, he got his nick name because his eyes would start to tear up a little, every time he got a great polka hand...needless to say no one ever told him that for years and years. Such is part of the Italian-American cultural dynamic.
Yet there was a time my people suffered greatly due to prejudice and descrimination...but now since the movie "The Godfather I II & III not to mention The Sporanos...now everybody is eating Pizza and wants to be Italian !! Amazing!
Gabisha paisano ... ?
2006-08-11 23:04:38 · 4 answers · asked by B'klyn Barracuda 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
please dont tell me that Gabisha is what you refer to as Understand? In Italian it's Capisci or Capisce... Im a first generation italian btw (sono siciliana)
2006-08-12 04:27:52 · answer #1 · answered by stefs86 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Americans tend to view Italians as one of 2 things: incredibly romantic or incredibly dangerous. I was the subject of that stereotyping myself, and I am ashamed to say so. A few years ago, I met a lady who is a native of Italy. She is here on visa. You know what? She is neither incredibly romantic or incredibly dangerous. She is just a plain old girl, like me. Over the years, we have become as close as sisters. She has taught me a lot about her country, and I have come to understand that I should never place labels on people.
Rain
2006-08-13 15:54:18 · answer #2 · answered by Rainbow 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am second generation sicilian american my nana came from Piane Dei Albenese back in the early 1900's (god rest her blessed soul). I honestly don't remember any of those type of nicknames growing up (but then again she wanted to steer away from the stereotypes).
2006-08-15 16:27:40 · answer #3 · answered by ldyrhiannon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah.
Uhm, thanks, I guess.
Ciao.
2006-08-11 23:07:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋