How a few words of Puglia dialect can unlock your trip

From greetings to food orders, here are the words that locals love to hear

You know the drill: you land somewhere new, fire up Google Translate, and suddenly every conversation becomes a clumsy game of charades. But in Puglia, things work a little differently.

Here, language carries the same sun-soaked character as the land itself. Locals swap greetings that feel like warm handshakes, tease each other with quick-witted expressions, and season everyday talk with words that belong only to this region. Step into a market in Bari or Lecce, and you’ll hear the sing-song of dialect floating above the stalls, as much a part of the experience as the scent of ripe figs or the shine of fresh fish on ice.

Say “uagnó” instead of “ragazzo” and watch how quickly a smile spreads. Order a coffee like the locals (“nu caffè” in dialect, short and strong) and you’ll feel like you’ve been folded right into the morning ritual. These aren’t phrases you’ll find in grammar books, they’re living proof that in Puglia, words are as handmade as the pasta.

Learning a few of them is less about fluency and more about connection. A couple of syllables can change how you’re welcomed, turning a polite exchange into a doorway to friendship, a plate of food, or a story you’ll carry home.

Greetings that work harder than “ciao”

In Italy, greetings are everything. In Puglia, they’re practically a social contract. Skip a “buongiorno” when you enter a shop, and you’ll feel the air get frosty. Nail the right greeting, and suddenly you’re being offered the sweetest figs from the back of the stall.

Here are a few that travelers should know:

Ué (pronounced “weh”)

A quick, casual hello you’ll hear on the streets of Bari or Taranto. It’s the equivalent of “hey!” between friends. Drop it with a grin, and you’ll sound instantly local.

Mo’ sté?

Literally “How are you now?” It’s a southern twist on “Come stai?” but with that Pugliese rhythm. Locals love it because it’s warm and familiar, not stiff.

Salute

Yes, it means “health,” but here it doubles as “cheers.” Expect to hear it when glasses of primitivo clink together at sunset.

Uagnò

A friendly way of saying “kid” or “lad.” Use it the way you’d say “mate” in the UK or “buddy” in the US.

Statte bbuéne

The Pugliese version of “take care.” A phrase that wraps up an encounter with warmth, usually said when leaving a café or parting ways after a chat.

👉 Traveler tip: Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation. Locals love the effort, and often they’ll respond with a laugh and help you practice. And at the very least, it’s the perfect ice-breaker!

Food phrases that open doors (and kitchens)

If greetings are the key to conversation, food is the key to Puglia itself. Step into a trattoria or lean across a market stall, and you’ll hear little phrases that carry centuries of flavor. Learning a few can completely change the way you’re welcomed — suddenly the cheesemonger isn’t just weighing caciocavallo, he’s giving you slices to try “on the house.”

Here are some you’ll want in your pocket:

“Mò mangiàm?”

Roughly: “Shall we eat now?” You’ll hear it tossed around casually — often because in Puglia, every conversation eventually turns toward eating.

“Ce mètte l’orecchiette?”

“Does it come with orecchiette?” Pugliesi are fiercely proud of their ear-shaped pasta. Don’t be surprised if they grin when you ask this.

“Vò na frisèdd?”

Frisella — the twice-baked bread ring you soak with water and top with tomatoes, oil, and oregano — is a local obsession. Asking for one by name (in dialect!) wins you big points.

“Uagnò, damm na focaccia.”

“Buddy, give me a focaccia.” A phrase you’ll hear sung in bakeries, usually followed by the warm scent of olive oil and tomatoes.

“Stè proprje bbuène.”

“This is really good.” A compliment every cook, baker, or nonna longs to hear. Say it with conviction, and you may get second helpings.

👉 Traveler tip: In smaller towns, don’t be shy about asking “Posso vedere la cucina?” (Can I see the kitchen?). Many family-run trattorie will happily bring you back to show off what’s bubbling away. Language is your backstage pass, trust us.

Market and shopping phrases to sound like a local

Weekly markets are the heartbeat of every Puglian town. It’s where you see locals bargaining over zucchini flowers, grandmothers eyeing olive oil like it’s liquid gold, and teenagers sneaking panzerotti from food stalls. If you want to feel part of the scene, these phrases will help you glide through the crowds like you’ve lived there for years:

• “Quande coste?”Dialect for “How much does it cost?” A must-know, especially when you’re eyeing sun-dried tomatoes or hand-painted ceramics.

• “Me ne dà nu kilo?”“Can you give me a kilo?” Whether it’s cherries, mussels, or figs, ordering by the kilo is standard.

• “Ce stà cchiù fresche?”“Do you have fresher ones?” Locals aren’t shy about asking this — and you shouldn’t be either.

• “Mo’ me faci u sconto?”“Can you give me a discount?” Delivered with a smile, it’s part of the ritual. Bargaining isn’t aggressive here — it’s playful.

• “Uagliò, damme du’ mazze.”“Buddy, give me two bunches.” Great for herbs, chicory, or whatever greens are stacked high that morning.

• “Sta robb è tute fatta a màne?”“Is this all handmade?” Especially useful when you’re browsing woven baskets, linen tablecloths, or ceramics.

👉 Traveler tip: Queues matter. If you see a long line at one stall, join it. In Puglia, locals don’t wait in line for nothing, it usually means the vendor is trusted for both price and quality.

Everyday chit-chat phrases you’ll actually hear

Markets may fuel the day, but evenings in Puglia belong to piazzas, bars, and endless conversation. If you sit down at a café for an aperitivo or find yourself people-watching on a stone bench at sunset, these little snippets of dialect will earn you a smile every time:

• “Ue cumpà!”A friendly “Hey buddy!” or “What’s up, pal?” You’ll hear this constantly, from farmers greeting each other to teens on scooters.

• “Ce faci?”“What are you up to?” — the southern cousin of Come stai? but more casual.

• “Statt bbuène.”Literally “Stay well.” Used as a warm way to say goodbye — more heartfelt than ciao.

• “Mo’ ce vedìme.”“See you soon.” Often tossed out even if “soon” is next week. Time flows differently here.

• “Aggiu na famme d’u lup.”“I’m as hungry as a wolf.” Say this before dinner and someone will insist you sit down and eat.

• “Ci vole nu bicchiere de vinu.”“This calls for a glass of wine.” Uttered after anything worth celebrating — which, in Puglia, is nearly everything.

• “Uè, pigghiàteve u tiempe.”“Take your time.” A phrase that doubles as life advice in the south.

👉 Traveler tip: don’t stress the grammar. Locals love effort more than accuracy. Even if you mix Italian with a touch of dialect, the charm is in trying.

Food and dining Puglia dialect phrases worth knowing

If there’s one place where words matter in Puglia, it’s at the table. Menus are often handwritten, waiters slip easily into dialect, and locals order like they’re narrating poetry. 

Here are the phrases to tuck into your pocket before your first plate of orecchiette lands:

• “Vorrei orecchiette cu le cime di rapa.”“I’d like orecchiette with turnip tops.” The unofficial anthem of Puglian pasta.

• “Na frisella cu pummadore.”“A frisella with tomato.” Ask for this once and you’ll crave it every afternoon.

• “Porta nu piattu ti crudd.”“Bring a plate of raw veg.” Puglia’s traditional way to start a meal — fennel, carrots, celery, often eaten with salt or oil.

• “Na bottija de vinu rosatu.”“A bottle of rosé wine.” Summer in a phrase.

• “Nu piattu ti cozze arracanate.”“A dish of stuffed mussels.” Pure seaside comfort.

• “Aggiu finitu, grazie.”“I’m finished, thank you.” Say this before someone sneaks more food onto your plate (a very real risk).

👉 Traveler tip: meals here stretch for hours. Even if you only learn “ancora un po’” (“just a little more”), you’ll survive any feast without offending your hosts.

And if you’re staying at Borgomadre? You don’t even need to head out. Guests can book a private chef who knows this language by heart — from the first frisella to the last drop of Primitivo. Imagine hearing “Statt bbuène, ci vedìme a domani” (stay well, see you tomorrow) after a home-cooked dinner in your villa’s courtyard. That’s as local as it gets.

A few words go a long way

You don’t need to master grammar books or carry a phrase dictionary to connect with Puglia dialect. A handful of greetings, a food order in dialect, a heartfelt grazie — these are the tickets that open doors and turn a simple encounter into a story you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

Locals appreciate effort, not perfection. And once you try out a word or two, you’ll see how quickly conversations unfold — whether it’s a grandmother offering you figs from her garden or a market vendor topping up your bag with “just one more” tomato.

At Borgomadre, we believe travel is about these moments. That’s why we’re always happy to share tips, translate a phrase, or even arrange language lessons alongside your wine tastings or cooking classes. 

So don’t worry about getting it right every time. Speak slowly, smile often, and let Puglia do the rest.

Ready to live Puglia like a local? Book your stay at Borgomadre and let us help you unlock the language, the culture, and the magic of Italy’s south.