Meaning
Expressing strong aversion or dislike.
Cultural Background
Italians are very sensitive to 'puzza' (bad smells). You will hear 'Che schifo' frequently in public transport or crowded areas. Using 'Che schifo' for food is a serious insult. Only use it for food that is actually spoiled, not just food you don't like. On Italian TikTok or Instagram, 'Che schifo' is often used to comment on 'trash TV' or influencers behaving badly. In the South, the expression might be accompanied by a specific hand gesture: brushing the back of the hand under the chin outwards.
Watch your tone
This phrase is very strong. If you say it too loudly in a restaurant, people will look at you.
The 'Schifo' Face
To sound native, wrinkle your nose and slightly curl your upper lip when saying it.
Meaning
Expressing strong aversion or dislike.
Watch your tone
This phrase is very strong. If you say it too loudly in a restaurant, people will look at you.
The 'Schifo' Face
To sound native, wrinkle your nose and slightly curl your upper lip when saying it.
Moral vs Physical
Remember that Italians use this for bad behavior just as much as for bad smells.
Test Yourself
Choose the best reaction to seeing a cockroach in a restaurant.
Vedi uno scarafaggio sul tavolo. Cosa dici?
'Che schifo!' is the correct reaction to something disgusting like a cockroach.
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
Questo latte è scaduto. Mi fa _______.
The phrase 'mi fa schifo' means 'it disgusts me'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: You hear about a politician stealing money.
Moral disgust is a common use for 'Che schifo!'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Guarda, c'è della spazzatura per terra.' B: '_______'
Reacting to littering with disgust is natural.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Che schifo!'
Sensory
- • Bad smells
- • Rotten food
- • Dirt
Moral
- • Lying
- • Cheating
- • Unfairness
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVedi uno scarafaggio sul tavolo. Cosa dici?
'Che schifo!' is the correct reaction to something disgusting like a cockroach.
Questo latte è scaduto. Mi fa _______.
The phrase 'mi fa schifo' means 'it disgusts me'.
Situation: You hear about a politician stealing money.
Moral disgust is a common use for 'Che schifo!'.
A: 'Guarda, c'è della spazzatura per terra.' B: '_______'
Reacting to littering with disgust is natural.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 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. 'Lui mi fa schifo' means 'He disgusts me'.
'Che schifo' is an exclamation (Yuck!). 'Fa schifo' is a statement (It is disgusting).
Yes, you can say 'Non è molto gradevole' (It's not very pleasant).
Yes, it's very common to say 'Quel film faceva schifo'.
Related Phrases
Che schifezza
similarWhat a mess/disgusting thing
Mi fa schifo
builds onIt disgusts me
Schifoso
specialized formDisgusting (adjective)
Che orrore
synonymHow horrible
Che brutto
similarHow ugly/bad
