If the sight, smell of thought of a certain food mi fa venire l’acquolina in bocca then, as a result ho l’acquolina in bocca (my mouth is watering). Both expressions are of widespread use in Italy. I have always found the word acquolina (which literally is is a diminutive of acqua, water) particularly charming: it dances in my mouth like a tasty morsel.
Avere l’acquolina in bocca should not be confused with acqua in bocca!, which is an injunction to keep something a secret. The idea is that if your mouth is full of water, you cannot talk. I taught my American husband to both say and act acqua in bocca! In fact, as a kid, after saying to someone acqua in bocca!, I would inflate my cheeks and purse my lips slightly, simulating a mouth full of water. I am no longer a kid, but I still get to do it with my husband and then we both burst into laughter (scoppiamo a ridere).
[This post was inspired by Valli, who used the adjective droolworthy in a comment on a post and got me thinking of Italian acquolina.]
Click on the button to hear me pronounce the Italian words mentioned in the post:
or launch the acquolina in bocca audio file [mp3].
[Depending on your set-up, the audio file will be played within the browser or by your mp3 player application. Please, contact me if you encounter any problems.]
I like the two sayings. 😉
Paz
Your recipes definitely ho l’acquolina in bocca!!!I will keep practicing my pronunciation!!!
Glad you like the expressions, Paz.
Hi Valli: I hope the recording will help you practice.
e in america c’è un’espressione analoga?
It’s so much fun learning these phrases, Simona. Coffee next week?
Ciao Francesca. Qui di dice che qualcosa ‘makes my mouth water’ ma non e’ un’espressione molto comune. E si dice che qualcosa ‘is mouthwatering’ ma anche questa espressione non la sento spesso. Grazie per avermi fatto conoscere Miti’ Vigliero.
Hi Christine: I am glad you are having fun. Any time will be great: let’s email.