Venice is a marvelous enigma, fascinating and mysterious. Who can really get to know it results in carrying unforgettable emotions. If there were a Venetian dictionary for its soul, grasping its spirit would be easier; but in the meantime we can content ourselves with another type of help.
If in fact the island’s atmosphere is a dilemma that everyone can solve individually although the language would be a good point to start from in understanding Venice. Here then is a very brief Venetian dictionary to decipher the words and sayings that are commonly used in the lagoon (careful the “L” is aspirated and pronounced “E” when proceeded by a vowel; the “Z” is pronounced “S”).
Bàcaro
Traditional Venetian osteria where you can savor ombre and cichetti.
Canalasso
Most renowned canal, The Grand Canal (even though there are many.)
Batéo
Simply a vaporetto or waterbus, main public transportation in Venice.
Càe
Calle or alleyway. In Venice there are no streets (exception Strada Nuova) or Via (exception Via Garibaldi and Via XXII Marzo) all the rest are alleyways.
Caigo
If you visit Venice in the autumn or winter, you most definitely will encounter it. It is Fog, the thickest, heaviest, and most dense fog.
Cichéto
The traditional Venetian morsels eaten in typical Bàcari . The variety is infinite: here is a list of some of the best types:
Fritoin
Literally means fried, but identifies all dishes concerning fried fish, even has the takeaway version.
Fritola
Is the traditional Venetian fritella (fritter) available during carnevale season with raisons and pine nuts. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also the versions filled with cream, zabaione (cream and liquor), or chocolate.
Goto
A Glass (most always referred to alcoholic beverages).
Nizioleto
Literally means “tissue,” but in reality refers to the white rectangular signs where you can find the names of alley and bell tower written on them.
Ombra
Glass of wine; practically a unitary measurement used in bàcari.
Paron di Casa
The most celebrated and most important bell tower, that of Saint Mark’s Square.
Peoci
In Italian they are called cozze or rather mussels.
Pòpe
Is a gondolier.
Spriss (Sprtiz)
Typical and ideal beverage for an aperitif made of prosecco, selz, and your choice of Aperol, Bitter, Cynar, or Select.