The Art of Neapolitan Gestures

The Sun, the sea and... the gestures!

Naples, the city of the sun, sea and... gestures! Anyone who has had the chance to visit the Neapolitan city knows that Neapolitans are masters of the art of gesticulating. With a simple movement of the hands, they are able to express a wide range of emotions, communicate complex ideas and even hold entire conversations without uttering a single word. But where does this unique ability come from?
History tells us that Neapolitan gestures have ancient roots. In ancient Greece, gestures were already used as a form of non-verbal communication. This tradition was kept alive during the Roman era and later during the Byzantine period. However, it was during the Renaissance that Neapolitan gestures reached their peak.
In the 16th century, Naples was a flourishing city rich with artists, scientists and writers. It was in this context that "commedia dell'arte" was born, a form of popular theater that used gestures as a means of expression. Neapolitan actors were masters of the art of gesticulating, using hands, face and body to create funny, caricatural characters that made audiences laugh.
But Neapolitan gestures are not just a form of communication. They are also an art form in themselves, requiring great skill and sensitivity. Neapolitan gestures are in fact very precise and codified, and a small mistake can completely change their meaning. Furthermore, each gesture has a specific sound, produced by the mouth or breathing, which contributes to making communication even more expressive.
Impossible not to be fascinated!

Let's learn the hidden meaning of Neapolitan Gestures!

Ma che ‘vvuò? - What do you want?

What are you saying? - The thumb is joined to all fingers raised upwards and the wrist oscillates repeatedly pointing towards the shoulder. Referred to people who talk a lot without making themselves understood.

What do you want? - The thumb is joined to all fingers raised upwards and the wrist oscillates repeatedly pointing towards the shoulder. Referred to people who talk a lot without making themselves understood.

‘E ‘ccorna - The horns

You have horns (being unfaithful) - This is perhaps one of the gestures it is best to learn immediately, although it is one of the most popular and well-known. If directed at a man it is the worst insult that can be made, because it means his partner is cheating.

Tiè! - Tiè

Evil eye (amulets) - However, if directed downwards it has a meaning regarding superstitions. You can often notice it if someone who carries the evil eye is lurking nearby.

Se t’acchiappo/Mannaggia - If I catch you/Darnit

If I catch you then you'll see what I'll do! The hand placed between the teeth serves almost to hold back the tongue from the threatening intentions of whoever makes this gesture. Often used by mothers to keep their children in line, knowing full well the threats will never come to pass. Instead, if an undulating head movement is associated with the biting, it can also take on the meaning of "Botheration!"

Si n’allocco, nu’ turzo! - You're a fool

"You're a fool, a dummy": The forearm is placed prominently and in a vertical position while the hand rotates along the main axis. Gesture directed at credulous people who are easily deceived.

Ma chi t’ha fatto fa’? - But who made you do it?

The joined hands are brought to the chest and then pulled apart repeatedly. It is a gesture with many meanings, and understanding the context in which it is made and the facial expression is fundamental. It can indicate impatience, "Will you move?", but also resignation and the beginnings of anger when resources have run out: "But what more do you want from me?". It is also often used with the meaning of "But who made you do it?", in this case the amplitude of the oscillations is more contained but the frequency is greater.

S’hanno accucchiate! - They banded together

They've conspired: used to indicate that two people understand each other. It can refer to lovers, but more often to two rogues who join forces for purposes that may not be entirely legal!

Amici per la pelle - Friends for life

Establishing a lasting friendship. A gesture that is quite widespread around the world and not necessarily linked to the Neapolitan cultural sphere. Often also known among children, from a certain generation onwards, as "flic e floc" and used to seal an unbreakable pact.

If you want to explore the topic further, we recommend reading "Comme te l'aggia dicere?" by Bruno Paura and Marina Sorge - ed. Intra Moenia

What do you want?

You're Horned!