Meaning
Expressing strong distaste or repulsion.
Cultural Background
Italians use 'che schifo' frequently because of their high standards for 'la bella figura' and culinary excellence. In Naples, the word 'lurdia' or 'merda' might be used in similar contexts, but 'che schifo' remains the standard. Northerners might use 'che schifo' slightly more conservatively in public, but it's still very common in private. Young Italians use it to describe anything 'cringe' or socially awkward.
Use your face!
Don't just say the words. Wrinkle your nose to sound more like a native.
Watch the register
Never say this to your mother-in-law about her cooking!
Meaning
Expressing strong distaste or repulsion.
Use your face!
Don't just say the words. Wrinkle your nose to sound more like a native.
Watch the register
Never say this to your mother-in-law about her cooking!
The 'Ma' prefix
Add 'Ma...' at the beginning for extra emphasis: 'Ma che schifo!'
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural reaction to smelling rotten milk.
Senti l'odore di latte vecchio. Cosa dici?
'Che schifo' is the standard reaction to bad smells.
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form.
Questa pizza è bruciata, ___ schifo!
The expression is 'fare schifo'.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
1. Seeing a bug in your salad. 2. Hearing a politician lied. 3. A formal dinner where you dislike the soup.
Use 'che schifo' for bugs and lies, but be polite at formal dinners.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Guarda quel bidone della spazzatura! B: ______, andiamo via!
Trash bins are gross, so 'che schifo' is the logical answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Che Schifo!'
Food
- • Rotten milk
- • Cold pasta
- • Hair in soup
Environment
- • Trash
- • Dirty toilets
- • Smog
Behavior
- • Lying
- • Cheating
- • Rudeness
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSenti l'odore di latte vecchio. Cosa dici?
'Che schifo' is the standard reaction to bad smells.
Questa pizza è bruciata, ___ schifo!
The expression is 'fare schifo'.
1. Seeing a bug in your salad. 2. Hearing a politician lied. 3. A formal dinner where you dislike the soup.
Use 'che schifo' for bugs and lies, but be polite at formal dinners.
A: Guarda quel bidone della spazzatura! B: ______, andiamo via!
Trash bins are gross, so 'che schifo' is the logical answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it is not a swear word, but it is very informal and can be considered rude in polite company.
Yes, but it's a strong insult. 'Mi fai schifo' means 'You disgust me'.
'Che schifo' is the reaction/feeling, while 'che schifezza' often refers to the gross object itself.
Use 'È disgustoso' or 'È sgradevole'.
Related Phrases
fare schifo
builds onTo be disgusting
che schifezza
similarWhat a mess/gross thing
mi fa schifo
specialized formIt disgusts me
che ribrezzo
synonymHow revolting
disgustoso
synonymDisgusting
