The Nuanced Reality: Italian Slang For Black People, From Acceptable Terms To Historical Slurs

Understanding the vocabulary used to refer to Black individuals in Italy is a deeply nuanced and sensitive subject, reflecting the country's complex history with race, colonialism, and contemporary immigration. As of late 2025, the landscape of Italian language is undergoing a slow but significant shift, moving away from archaic and offensive terms toward more respectful and self-defined identities, though deeply entrenched slurs remain a pervasive issue in daily life and public discourse.

The term "slang" itself in this context often blurs the line between informal language and outright racial epithets. For anyone seeking to navigate Italian culture or simply understand the linguistic environment, it is crucial to distinguish between neutral descriptors, identity-affirming terms, and the derogatory language that carries a heavy historical and social weight.

A Linguistic Guide to Terms for Black People in Italy

The Italian language offers several terms, but their acceptability varies drastically, ranging from standard descriptive words to highly offensive slurs. The context of their usage—whether in formal media, casual conversation, or football chants—is the key determinant of their nature.

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Acceptable and Identity-Affirming Terms

These terms are generally considered neutral or are actively used by Black Italians to assert their identity and belonging.

• Nero / Nera: This is the literal Italian word for "black" (masculine/feminine). While direct, it is widely considered the most neutral, non-slur descriptive term in contemporary Italian, especially when used as an adjective (e.g., uomo nero - Black man). However, some discussions highlight that in a country less accustomed to race-based categorization than the US, any race-specific term can feel loaded, though it is not inherently offensive.
• Afroitaliano / Afro-Italiani: This is a powerful, identity-affirming term preferred by many people of African descent born or raised in Italy. It asserts a dual heritage and a claim to Italian identity, pushing back against the historical narrative that often excludes Black people from the definition of "Italian." Key figures like writer Igiaba Scego have championed this terminology to define the Black Italian experience.
• Persona Nera: Literally "Black person." This phrase is often suggested by anti-racist advocates as a direct, respectful translation of the English "Black person," avoiding the ambiguity of more dated terms.
• Persona di Colore: Meaning "Person of Color." This term is used, but its acceptability is debated. While intended as a non-racist alternative, some critics view it as an outdated euphemism that groups diverse identities under a single, potentially condescending umbrella, similar to its critiques in English-speaking contexts.

Highly Offensive and Historical Slurs

These terms are unequivocally considered racial slurs and should be avoided entirely. Their use is a clear act of prejudice and racism.

• Negro: Once a common descriptor, this term is now universally recognized as a deeply offensive racial slur in Italy, much like its English counterpart. Its use persists in racist contexts, such as political rhetoric and sports abuse, but it is condemned across mainstream Italian society.
• Mulignan / Moolinyan: This is a highly offensive, derogatory slur, particularly associated with Italian-American usage, but its roots are purely Italian. It originates from the Calabrian dialect word mulignana, meaning "eggplant" or "aubergine." The term is a dehumanizing reference to a Black person's skin color and is one of the most vicious ethnic slurs in the Italian-American vocabulary.
• Tizzone: This term translates to "firebrand" or "piece of charcoal." It is a vulgar and offensive ethnic slur used to refer to a dark-skinned person, particularly of Black African descent, by comparing them to a burnt object.

The Darker Side of Italian Slang: Racism in Public Life

The persistence of racial slurs in Italy is not merely a linguistic issue; it reflects deep-seated societal problems. Italy’s history, including its colonial past in countries like Ethiopia and Somalia, and its internal North-South divisions (where slurs like Terrone are used against Southern Italians), has shaped a complex racial landscape. The issue frequently erupts in public life, especially in two key areas: politics and sport.

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Racism in Italian Politics and Media

The political arena has been a frequent stage for the use of racial slurs. When Cecile Kyenge became Italy’s first Black government minister in 2013, she was immediately subjected to death threats and vicious racial slurs from political opponents and the public. These incidents highlight how racialized language is weaponized to deny the legitimacy and belonging of Black individuals in positions of power.

The ongoing struggle for recognition by Black Italian citizens is often framed by a lack of ius soli (birthright citizenship) laws, which further complicates the definition of Italian identity and contributes to the environment where slurs thrive.

The Scourge of Racism in Italian Football

Italian football (soccer) is notoriously plagued by racism. The stadiums are often where the most aggressive and blatant forms of verbal abuse occur, with slurs and "monkey chants" routinely directed at Black players. High-profile incidents involving players like Mike Maignan have drawn international attention, forcing the Italian Football Federation to address the problem, though it remains a persistent scourge, even in youth games.

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These chants and insults often employ the most offensive slurs, including Negro and animalistic references, demonstrating that for many, the "slang" used is a deliberate act of dehumanization and racial violence.

The Future of Language: Black Italian Identity and Anti-Racism

In response to this environment, a vibrant and growing movement of Black Italian activists, artists, and intellectuals is actively reclaiming the narrative and shaping the future of inclusive language. This movement emphasizes self-definition over externally imposed labels.

The rise of Black Italian literature and cinema, alongside dedicated anti-racism movements, is a powerful force pushing for linguistic change. These groups advocate for an anti-racism that recognizes and addresses institutional racism, moving beyond the simple avoidance of slurs to a deeper societal reckoning with race.

The preferred terms, such as Afroitaliano, are not merely translations; they are political and cultural statements. They represent a demand for full citizenship, recognition of a diverse national identity, and a rejection of the paternalistic or overtly racist language of the past. For anyone speaking Italian today, choosing to use the neutral Nero or the self-defined Afroitaliano, and consciously rejecting the offensive slurs, is an essential step in respecting the dignity and identity of Black people in Italy.