This week's Listicle list over at The Good Life asks those who want to play this game to list 10 green things. To add an Italian twist to things I decided to list 10 things that may not be green, but that make reference to the color green . . . in Italian!
Of course, they don't say "green" in Italian, it's "verde." That sounds like the first syllable of the word "very," plus the word "day." So, repeat after me: ver-day!
1. A common Italian proverb is: "Verde, la speranza mai si perde," or "Green, never lose hope!"
Don't ask me WHY they say this . . . I don't have all the answers!
 |
| This image strikes me as hopeful, I hope you agree. |
2. Essere al verde = To be broke
 |
| An all-too-common situation in Italy these days . . . |
3. spazio verde = green area (like a park)
 |
| We need more of these in southern Italy! |
4. Carlo Verdone = an Italian comic actor, his last name means "dark green"
 |
| A face only a mother could love! |
5. Giuseppe Verdi = ok, this is technically cheating cause it's Verdi and not verde, but I like to think of this famous composer as Joe Green
 |
| What fine moustaches you have, Mr. Green. |
6. sempreverde = evergreen, used for the trees, but also for a timeless person or thing
 |
| Love is an evergreen emotion |
7. Here's another Italian proverb for you: "Tre cose rovinano la famiglia: moglie giovane, legna verde e pane caldo" = "Three things ruin a family: a young wife, green wood and hot bread"
 |
| What about a young, green wife made of wood? |
8. The Italian flag is red, white and green (rosso, bianco e verde)
 |
| The Italian flag deliciously reinterpreted |
9. Federazione dei Verdi = the Italian Green Party, a left-leaning party that promotes issues regarding the environment, ecology and pacifism
 |
| Pretty cutesy for a political party, but cheerful! |
10. Occhi verdi dell'amore - I saved the best for last . . . this is the title of a song "Green Eyes of Love" sung by I Profeti, a 1960s Italian pop band.
Never heard of them? I bet you recognise the song, though, if you listen closely . . .
