L'avete notato anche voi negli ultimi anni (nell'uso pubblico/mediatico)? Mi pare una replica ancora più grave della storia della degenerazione del "piuttosto che".................................( PS: e molto interessante sarebbe anche capirne il "perché?" ? Riduzione di complessità/economia dello sforzo grammaticale nel parlato? Altro?)

I recently went to Palermo, Sicily, and a man was trying to tell me about a special word. He kept raising his hands saying what sounded like “EE-PEE” and tried to explain it meaning living a carefree life, or a life connected to all, or something about being free spirited. Does anyone know what this word or phrase means and how you spell it?

I asked a similar question before about what makes someone sound more natural in Italian, but I’m also curious about the cultural side of things.

What are some things you think Italian learners should know to really understand the language and culture, beyond grammar and vocabulary? I’m thinking of expressions, cultural references, social norms or little things that an Italian would just instinctively know.