cacio e pepe
/ˈka.t͡ʃo ˈe ˈpe.pe/word by word
cacio e pepe is the Italian phrase for the traditional Roman pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to cheese and pepper, where cacio is a dialectal/regional term for cheese and e means and.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word cacio is specifically characteristic of Roman and Central Italian dialects, whereas standard Italian would typically use formaggio.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈka.tʃo ˈe ˈpe.pe/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- While the dish is world-famous, shepherds in the Roman countryside originally carried the ingredients because pecorino cheese and peppercorns were easy to transport and didn't spoil during long journeys.
- In Italy, adding cream to cacio e pepe is often considered a culinary crime, as the creamy texture must be achieved solely through the emulsion of starchy pasta water and cheese.
- The word cacio is a direct descendant of the Latin word cāseus, which is also the root of the English word 'casein', the main protein found in milk.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno! Vorrei ordinare il cacio e pepe, per favore.Good morning! I would like to order the cacio e pepe, please.
- Vorrei ordinare un cacio e pepe.I would like to order a cacio e pepe.
- Il cacio e pepe di questo ristorante è ottimo.The cacio e pepe at this restaurant is excellent.
- Ti piace il cacio e pepe?Do you like cacio e pepe?
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are dining at a Roman trattoria.
- FrancescoCosa prendiamo di primo?What should we have for the first course?
- SofiaIo prenderei un cacio e pepe.I would have a cacio e pepe.
- FrancescoOttima idea, è un classico.Great idea, it is a classic.
- SofiaSpero che sia molto cremoso.I hope it is very creamy.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (cacio, e, pepe) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cacio, cacio e pepe, e, pepe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
