Parlesia () is an oral cryptolect and slang historically used by musicians in Naples, Italy. Originating as a jargon to allow performers to communicate privately regarding business, pay, and social matters without being understood by outsiders, it gradually developed into a recognized cant within Neapolitan music culture.
History Parlesia developed among working-class Neapolitan musicians—particularly posteggiatori (street and restaurant minstrels) and players performing at weddings, local festivals, and theatrical venues. The jargon centered geographically around the Galleria Umberto I (historically referred to as the Galleria di Toledo) in central Naples, where musicians traditionally gathered to negotiate contracts, assemble bands, and arrange gigs.
To protect financial details, discuss client behavior, or comment on working conditions without alerting patrons or bystanders, musicians devised a specialized vocabulary by altering standard Neapolitan words or introducing unique slang terms. Knowledge of the code was passed down orally and reserved for those accepted into the professional musical community.
Throughout the 20th century, Parlesia influenced Neapolitan popular culture. Prominent artists including Pino Daniele, Edoardo Bennato, and Tony Esposito incorporated terms from Parlesia into the lyrics of modern Neapolitan music. In 2023, author Valeria Saggese published a dedicated study and collection of oral histories titled Parlesia. La lingua segreta della musica napoletana.
Vocabulary The lexicon of Parlesia consists primarily of nouns and verbs grafted onto Neapolitan grammar.
Parlesia Neapolitan equivalent English translation e bbane || 'e sorde || money / cash |- | o jamm || 'o guaglione / 'ommo || man / guy |- | a jamm || 'a guagliona / 'a femmena || woman / girl |- | '''o jammone || 'o padrone || boss / owner |- | o jamm e tashca || chillo ca caccia 'e sorde || the payer / financier |- | appunì || piglià / carrecà || to take / to load / to enter |- | spunì || rà / caccià || to give / to unload / to pay out |- | facimm "addo va" || fernimmo || let's finish / stop |- | bacone || persona malamente || bad person / untrustworthy individual |- | a clitennestra || 'a chitarra elettrica || electric guitar |- | o pizzicanterra || 'o pullasto || chicken |- | giustine || 'e gguardie || police / authorities |- | '''a chiarenzia 'o vino wine arcì fa l'ammore to make love o pistolfe || 'o prevete || priest |- | '''a pila || 'a paga || wage / payment |- | o taleqquale || 'o specchio || mirror |- | accomoffà'' capì to understand
See also Cant Cryptolect Lunfardo Verlan Louchébem
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