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Gianna: the Roman woman who brought the cold


It is a popular expression with which the Romans indicate the arrival of the wind. Behind this myth are stored multiple really special, and often hidden, stories inside. Did you know the meaning of “Gianna” and the expression “how about that Gianna”?

Many expressions full of stories and meanings

It is a dialect full of words that only a Roman can understand and for this reason it can be considered a separate language. Rarely will you find someone who lives outside the walls of Rome that is able to know and understand the expressions of the Roman dialect.

There are so many of them and each one has its own history and meaning, which often allows you to discover something more about Rome and the people who live there.

In fact, some Roman expressions contain the names of some people. The most famous and popular are probably Peppe, Maria, and Pippo; but there are also many others, which are to be discovered together with their incredible stories.

The bringer of the wind

Another character known in the streets of the capital is Gianna, a woman who, according to the Romans, was a bringer of the cold.

Some folk tales speak of a certain Gianna who used to open the windows of her house in order to let the wind flow. Even in winter, she always kept the windows open and, consequently, the north wind blew in the house too, which was jokingly called by the Romans as “how about that that Gianna“.

Other versions recount the story of a lady from Trastevere, who used to run through the streets of Rome to bring home freshly baked bread from the baker. She ran so fast that a strong wind rose as she passed, which the Romans called the “Gianna”.

The denunciation of defects

Today “the Gianna” belongs to the popular expressions of Rome. It is often used during the colder seasons when a strong wind blows.

Gianna, however, is not only the protagonist of a saying from Rome, but also the title of a song by Rino Gaetano that still today everyone enjoys.

It is the title of a song that marked the career of Rino Gaetano. A cynical, denouncing song that talks about people who are rich in ideals and intentions, which they decide to give up in order not to lose the comforts of life.

An apparently cheerful and carefree song which actually hides a harsh vision of the world, and above all, of man himself.