Are you looking for a way to describe your love for an Italian woman? You could say she is your 'amore.'
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression 'amore' translates from Italian to 'love' in English. It's a common Italian-themed pet name used around the world to describe a person's partner.
'Amore' has the same meaning as calling someone 'my love.' If you call someone your love, they are intimately close to you, so it's not suitable for saying to friends and family. Your 'amore' is the love of your life and the person you feel emotionally connected to.
Example Usage
"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore. Remember that song? I don't know what it means, but it sounds cool."
"I called my amore, and he said that he'll be here in a few minutes. You better get dressed and get out of here now before he finds you here."
"I'm sorry you feel that way, mio amore. I don't know what else to say except to ask for your forgiveness and to let you know it'll never happen again."
"That's okay, mio amore, I forgive you. We can move past this together and get on with our lives if we try hard enough."
Origin
The expression 'amore' originates from the Italian vernacular. Language experts believe the phrase entered the English vocabulary during the 1950s, thanks to the song 'That's Amore' by composer Harry Warren.
Warren worked with lyricist Jack Brooks on the song, releasing it in 1953 as a soundtrack to the Paramount release 'The Caddy.' Dean Martin is credited with popularizing the term after performing it in the movie.
'That's Amore' received an Academy Award nomination for 'Best Original Song' of that year and remained closely associated with the late Dean Martin and his body of work. 'That's Amore' was the title of the 2001 videography of Martin's career, 'That's Amore: A Son Remembers Dean Martin.'
Joe Queenan described the song as follows.
"A charming, if goofy, parody of popular Neapolitan organ-grinder music."
Phrases Similar to Amore
- My love.
- Baby.
- Sweetheart.
- Honey.
Phrases Opposite to Amore
- Hate.
- Despite.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Amore.
- Mio Amore.
Ways People May Say Amore Incorrectly
Most English-speaking people will sing the verse from the classic song when using the term. It's uncommon for English-speaking people to refer to their partner as 'amore.' However, some may do it, especially if they're dating an Italian person. Using 'amore' to describe a random person or a person you're not attracted to is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Amore
You can use the word 'Amore' when expressing your love for your sweetheart or addressing them. The term suits text communications and verbal exchanges where you refer to the other person as your' love.' It's more common for people of Italian descent to use the term 'Amore;' when describing their partner.
You can use the term 'amore' to describe someone you just met that you have feelings for, a casual partner, or someone you love deeply. The expression 'amore' doesn't have much use outside of relationships.