Ciao Bella is an iconic phrase that almost everybody knows...but where did it come from and how did it get such a renowned status? Our first episode takes you into the origins of some of the most oft-used Italian words, how to greet politely (or create intimacy when appropriate!) and the cultural know-how of saying ‘hello’ that is stereotype-free.

We discuss:

• Italian greetings that actually belong in your repertoire

• How to use greetings appropriately and effectively

• Words Italians use and ways they actually create nicknames and terms of endearment

• Simple ways to fare una bella figura—make a good impression

• The reality of how often you can expect to hear ‘bella’ and ‘brutta’ in Italian conversation

• A recap of the greetings a ...