cavoli riscaldati

Hello and welcome to Word of the Week! I’m your host, Liz. This podcast is dedicated to words and phrases that are untranslatable into English. Let’s discover the nuance of the world’s languages, shall we? 

This week’s word is cavoli riscaldati, an Italian phrase that means ‘an attempt to revive an old relationship’. And this phrase can be used a multitude of ways. If you’re old enough to have a ex-best friend, and not just an ex, this phrase might be a hopeful one to say out loud. Alas, it can be a double-edged sword.

If you were the friend who was thoughtless or disloyal, these attempts could feel sad and distasteful. However, if they were the friend who was hurtful or rash, these same attempts could feel bitter and equally painful. Both parties would have different reasons, but they would each be wise to avoid cavoli riscaldati. 

The Italians compare an attempt to revive an old love affair to a cook who tries to reheat already cooked cabbage. This culinary endeavor always ends up being a bit messy, and rather unworkable. This is the literal translation: reheated cabbage, cavoli riscaldati. 

“Larry/Nina (or insert your ex’s name here), I’m glad to see you again, but please, let’s not think of picking up where we left off. It would just be cavoli riscaldati.” And perhaps it’s really appealing reheated cabbage. Maybe you can’t resist. Just understand what you’re getting into. Reheated cabbage can lead to an upset stomach. 

Here’s to this week… May you all endeavor to adopt this Word of the Week and see the world a little bit differently. I’ll be back next week with a new word. Thank you for listening!