Egypt's Italian community, also known as Talaina, is one with a history that goes back to Roman times.

Italian Egyptians, before 1952, formed the second largest expatriate community in the country, after the Greeks. 

As a result of this cross-cultural exchange, Egyptians now have several words borrowed from the Italians that we use in our day-to-day life. 

Here are some of the many words we still use in Egypt that have Italian origins. 

1. Estbena!

From sta bene, which means 'it's fine'. 

Egyptians use it to say 'we have a deal.'

2. Alesta

From alla lista. 

In Egypt, it's used to denote that 'all is okay' or 'everything is under control'. It is especially used by sailors.

3. Ballo

Ballo in Italian refers to parties or dance. 

In Egypt, it refers to noise... This is our ballo! 

4. Robabekya

From Roba Vecchia, or junk. 

Egyptians use this one to describe old possessions they are ready to get rid of and give to the Robabekya uncle. 

5. Gonnella

From gonnella, meaning skirt. 

Just don't try this at home... or anywhere! 


6. Guanti

From guanto, which means 'glove'. 

Cool glove, eh? 

7. Barooka

From parrucca, a wig. 

Watching old Egyptian movies, especially in the 60s and 70s, one can see many wigs that were all the craze back then! 

8. Mobilia

In Italian mobilia refers to portable furniture. 

But every kind of furniture to us is now mobilia, movable or not. 

9. Brova

Prova in Italian means 'to try'. 

We use this word till today, to describe fitting rooms, rehearsals, and fitting sessions at the tailor shop! 

10. Falso

From falso, meaning 'false' or 'fake'.

In Egypt, falso is used to describe anything fake, especially when referring to fake gold. 

Stephan Rosti is the best closure to this post

This late Italian Egyptian actor never failed to make us laugh. 

In this scene, Rosti is asking a lady to dance with him and the misunderstanding that ensues is one that Egyptians till this day remember for its sheer hilarity. 

Rosti: Madam, may I have this dance?

Fardous Mohamed (not realizing he wanted to dance with her): No one is stopping you my brother, knock yourself out.

Rosti (Sarcastically): OK, just a minute, I'll wrap a scarf on my waist (like belly dancers do) and come back to you.