5 Horrifying Mistakes You Can Make When Ordering Food In Italian

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It's always a little funny listening to someone speak English as a second language. Their pronunciation of certain words and the roundabout sentences they use to express themselves seem adorable if not harmless. But how do we sound when speaking a second language? In many cases our mistakes are earth shattering for us and life scarring for them. Here are the top five mistakes Americans make after about a year of studying Italian.

1. There's a BIG (and completely inappropriate) difference between "pecorino" and "pecorina."
Pecorino cheese is the cheese that comes from the pecora, or sheep. When asking for it, it's important to get the gender ending correct.

"Nonna, per favore dammi il pecorino" - Grandmother, would you please pass me the aged sheep's cheese.
"Nonna, per favore dammi la pecorina" - Grandmother, would you please bend over so that I may enter you doggy-style.

2. Pepperoni isn't the same thing in Italy that it is in the U.S.
Pepperoni Pizza represents 36 percent of all pizzas sold in the USA. But if you're looking to try your favorite topping on your next trip to Italy, beware! Ordering pepperoni pizza in Italy will yield a pie topped with roasted red bell peppers or "pepperoni". My guess is that you'll want to order the salame piccante (spicy sausage, known in America as pepperoni).

3. The easiest way to insult an Italian: Order your pasta "al dente."
Italians know how to cook their pasta, don't ask for it al dente. Proof:

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