"Ciao ragazze!" Photo: stock.adobe.com/luckybusiness
A small word with a big history. Ciao is practically a greeting word worldwide. The Italian word "Ciao" has become a greeting word all over the world. Yet almost nobody knows what it really means.
Ciao - five letters, two syllables and a quasi-aristocratic origin. Ciao had its origins in the fine salons of the Venetian aristocracy - as an expression of the deepest humility. Originally it was said in Venice did not simply say "hello", but bowed linguistically with a respectful "s-ciào vostro". Literally translated: "(I am) your slave." Sounds strange today, but back then it was an expression of courtly refinement. Anyone who wanted to belong in the lagoon city of the 17th century verbally assured their counterpart of their willingness to serve.
Swollen, but polite
The roots go back even further: the Venetian "s-ciào" comes from the Italian "schiavo", derived from the Middle Latin "sclavus" - "slave". Incidentally, the southern German "Servus" also goes back to a similar form: "Servus humilimus, domine spectabilis" - "Your humblest servant, honourable master". Sounds pompous? It is. But it was polite.
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From aristocratic greetings to street flirting
A word makes a career: While "s-ciào vostro" was still used in Venice, a fresh wind swept through the streets of Lombardy in the 19th century. There - in cities like Milan - the obsequious formula gradually became a friendly, casual greeting. The Venetians literally had it on the tip of their tongue, while the Lombards turned it into a greeting to accompany an espresso. This is how "s-ciào" became the handy "ciao", which could be thrown into the day at any time - without nobility, without a bow. Nowadays, the greeting is no longer used at all on formal occasions - too casual, too confidential.
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In the 20th century, "ciao" then embarked on its great journey: initially throughout Italy - from the piazza in Palermo to the tram in Turin. Later, through films, songs and, last but not least, millions of Italian emigrants, out into the world. From the German "Tschau" to dozens of other variations.
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