Expert: Francesco Marchesani - 6/12/2004

Question
Hi Francesco,
 I am writing a book based on Italian Characters,  I need some phrases that I can use.  Such as  "Boy what is wrong with you?"  and I also need some anger and frustration phrases,  you know how sometimes when people get mad they go back to their native tounge and yell.  I have a few scenes in this book and I would really appreciate a little help.  Thank you very much for you time.

Answer
Hello,
I'd translate "boy what's wrong with you?" as "che c'è che non va?" ("what's wrong?") or "hai qualche problema?" ("got a problem?").
As for anger phrases... there's plenty to choose from!
I'll give you some:
"maledizione!" (=curse!)
"porca vacca!" (=holy cow!)
"che tu sia dannato!" (=you damned!)
"li mortacci tua!" (=curse on your dead ones; dialectal from Rome)
And some vulgar ones... I don't know if they'd fit your book:
"cazzo!" (=cock!)
"merda!" (=shit!)
"vaffanculo!" (=fuck off!)

Feel fre to ask if you need further help!

Francesco