Italian Words We’ve Ghanafied — And You’ve Probably Used Without Knowing!

Language is funny — it travels, transforms, and sometimes gets completely rebranded. In Ghana, several Italian words have slipped into everyday speech, but they’ve taken on brand-new meanings, and honestly? We love it.

Here are three classic examples of Italian words that now speak fluent Ghanaian:

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1. Lungo Lungo – A Dodgy, Long-Winded Road

Originally from the Italian word lungo (meaning “long”), Ghanaians use lungo lungo to describe a winding, suspicious, often bumpy road. If someone says, “I don’t want to use that lingo lungo road,” they mean it’s not straightforward — literally or figuratively. The kind of road that makes you pray and clutch your bag tighter!

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2. Santo – A Bald-Headed Person

In Italian, santo means “saint.” But in Ghanaian slang, santo refers to someone who is bald — likely because of the clean, shiny head associated with saintly figurines or statues. You might hear someone joke, “Ei, this your santo head deɛɛ…!” 😂 It’s not always an insult — sometimes it’s just Ghanaian-style affection.

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3. Talia – Spaghetti Served with Waakye

While Italians have tagliatelle, Ghanaians have talia! Whether it’s tagliatelle, linguine, or good ol’ spaghetti, once it hits the Waakye seller’s table, it’s talia — a beloved side to boiled rice and beans, often topped with stew, gari, salad, and shito. So no, “talia” isn’t just pasta — it’s a Ghanaian delicacy!

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Language Travels. Culture Adapts. And We Love It.

These Italian words have taken on new lives in Ghana, showing how languages blend when people move, settle, and live together. At Orato, we celebrate the beauty of such twists — it’s what makes language learning exciting.

Got more words you’ve heard in Ghana that sound Italian? DM us or drop them in the comments — we might feature them next!