A member of a white (yes white to the folks who keep saying otherwise) European ethnic group indigenous to Italy in southern Europe. The Italian language and culture is largely derived from that of the ancient Romans (i.e. Latin-based Romance language, Catholic Christianity, etc.) and Italians also launched the Renaissance, a period of enlightenment and learning that brought Europe out of the Dark Ages.
People, "Latin" and "white" are not mutually exclusive terms. One may be culturally Latin but racially a white European. Italians, Spaniards, French, Portuguese, and Romanians are all European Latins. In America, "Latin" has become synonymous with Latin Americans (i.e. Mexicans).
Italians are indeed white, just not WASPs (white Protestants of northern European descent), it's really no more complicated than this. Take it from me (I'm Italian-American btw), it's also mainly the Sicilians and Calabrians who tend to have the stereotypical black-haired olive-skinned dark-eyed look that most Americans associate with Italians (these areas saw heavier Greek, Phoenician, and Arab settlement), but even in these places you can still find folks with lighter hair, light eyes, and pale skin. The most common hair color for Italians is some shade of brown, with all eye colors from blue, green, hazel, and brown well-represented (with hazel/brown a bit more common), and skin that typically ranges from pale to light olive.
People, "Latin" and "white" are not mutually exclusive terms. One may be culturally Latin but racially a white European. Italians, Spaniards, French, Portuguese, and Romanians are all European Latins. In America, "Latin" has become synonymous with Latin Americans (i.e. Mexicans).
Italians are indeed white, just not WASPs (white Protestants of northern European descent), it's really no more complicated than this. Take it from me (I'm Italian-American btw), it's also mainly the Sicilians and Calabrians who tend to have the stereotypical black-haired olive-skinned dark-eyed look that most Americans associate with Italians (these areas saw heavier Greek, Phoenician, and Arab settlement), but even in these places you can still find folks with lighter hair, light eyes, and pale skin. The most common hair color for Italians is some shade of brown, with all eye colors from blue, green, hazel, and brown well-represented (with hazel/brown a bit more common), and skin that typically ranges from pale to light olive.
Famous Italians/Italian-Americans:
Al Pacino, Ray Romano, Joe Pesci, Danny Aiello, Frank Sinatra, James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Marisa Tomei, Geraldine Ferraro, Federico Castelluccio, Joe Pantoliano, Tony Danza, Lady Gaga, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Nancy Pelosi, Roberto Benigni, Giorgio Armani, Joe DiMaggio, Roberto Baggio, Antonin Scalia.
Italians are Europeans, capisce paesani?
Al Pacino, Ray Romano, Joe Pesci, Danny Aiello, Frank Sinatra, James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Marisa Tomei, Geraldine Ferraro, Federico Castelluccio, Joe Pantoliano, Tony Danza, Lady Gaga, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Nancy Pelosi, Roberto Benigni, Giorgio Armani, Joe DiMaggio, Roberto Baggio, Antonin Scalia.
Italians are Europeans, capisce paesani?
by Italo-americano October 20, 2009
Victims of the stereotype that we wear nineteen gold chains and uses the words deez, demz,and dohz. And usually have ties to the Mafia. Just because we have Italian last names and are the darkest white people you have ever seen does not mean we are like that.
"Look, we better stay away from Tallia Genovasi, her brothers probably wear alot of gold chains and cant speak good english. If we fuck around with her, we might get clipped."
by Tallia November 10, 2004
People of Italy are known for their olive skin and dark hair. However there still are Italians with blonde hair and blue eyes. The stigma that Italians are dumb is held up by shows like "Jersey Shore," but originally came from the Ellis Island days. Around this time, the IQ test was invented and someone had the brilliant idea to use IQ tests to test incoming immigrants. One supposed expert at the time stated that 75% of Russians were incompetent, 69% of Polish, and 67% of Italians. These people soon started getting jobs as butchers because of the stigma, introducing the polish sausage and Italian salami. -- I am Italian and do not mess with my salami!
by kaayycee June 6, 2011
People from Italy (Italia) or America with Italian decent. Must be more then 50% to be considered "Italian". Dark skinned (olive), black or brown hair, brown eyes, hairy (usually), good looking. There names usually end in an, A, E, I, or O. Usually have big penis's. Are considered "white" by Cenus when there really Latin, not Latino/Hispanic. Speak the most sexy language, have the best food, and make the nicest cars. Everyone wishes they were Italian.
Black kid 1: Look at that white kid.
Black kid 2: He aint white, hes italian, just look at him.
Black kid 1: Shit, hope his family didnt hear that...
Black kid 2: Hope they didnt, if they did they would probably kill you.
Italian kid: You guys know i gota bigga dick then you...
Black kids (1-2): Probably, your italian
Black kid 2: He aint white, hes italian, just look at him.
Black kid 1: Shit, hope his family didnt hear that...
Black kid 2: Hope they didnt, if they did they would probably kill you.
Italian kid: You guys know i gota bigga dick then you...
Black kids (1-2): Probably, your italian
by Giano October 4, 2006
What I'm most proud to be. And it's not because our nonna's cook us food whenever we want, or because our houses are usually kick ass and spotless, or because most are blessed with good looks, or because Milan, Italy is the fashion capital of the world, or the funny accents, or family ties to the Mafia. It's because we're intellegent people. Most think Italian boys are John Gotti clones. I'd admit in some cases, this is true. Oh and ALL ITALIAN MEN SMELL GOOD. Have you ever gone to an Italian wedding and passed by all of the good looking boys in Armani suits?! They smell lovely. Italian women are dark usually and no, not all Italians can cook a good dish of pasta, only our grandparents can. Italians have contributed a lot to this world. And any Brit, Irish/Scottish lad, Japanese gangster, arrogant French man, Prideful Portuguese is hating on the Italians, JUST KEEP WISHING ONE DAY YOU'LL WAKE UP SMELLING GOOD IN AN ARMONI SUIT AND HAVING AN ITALIAN NONNA COOKING KICK ASS FOOD WHILE YOUR UNCLE TONY PLAYS CARDS WITH THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY WAITING FOR THE LASAGNA TO BE DONE.
John Gotti lookalike #1- *cuffs sleeves, puts aviators on* YAO YAO MAN YOU STEALIN MAH HAIR GEL?! YAO WHY ARE YOU STEALING MY HAIR GEL?! *talks really fastly mumbling fungulo*
Intellegent Italian: You're a disgrace to Italians. You're what makes me want to curl up in a ball and become Korean.
John Gotti lookalike#2- WOULD YOU JUST WATCH THE HAIR?!
Intellegent Italian: You're a disgrace to Italians. You're what makes me want to curl up in a ball and become Korean.
John Gotti lookalike#2- WOULD YOU JUST WATCH THE HAIR?!
by Ericaaa July 28, 2006
by i<3umoreeeeeeeee May 21, 2011