IN BOCCA AL LUPO: What it Means and How to Reply (“Crepi” or “Grazie”?)

What exactly is the meaning of in bocca al lupo? And what’s the story behind this peculiar way of wishing someone good luck in Italian? In this guide, we’ll delve into the origins of one of Italy’s most popular sayings, exploring why the wolf plays a central role and how its mouth came to be seen as a place where fortune awaits in Italian culture.

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Table to Contents

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide. Click on any title to jump to each section.

What does “In bocca al lupo” mean?

In bocca al lupo literally translates to “into the mouth of the wolf.” It may sound like a dramatic scene straight out of a fairy tale, but it’s actually a popular way of saying good luck in Italian, much like we say “break a leg” in English. Whether someone is embarking on something big or facing a significant challenge, this phrase is the perfect send-off.

But why would anyone wish for their friends and loved ones to be in the jaws of a wolf, the quintessential symbol of danger? After all, we’ve all grown up fearing wolves because of stories like “Little Red Riding Hood,” where they are the villains of the forest. And with those sharp teeth, they don’t exactly scream “good luck”! Yet, in Italian culture, the phrase in bocca la lupo is steeped in tradition and layered with meaning.

What’s the origin of “In bocca al lupo”?

There are some fascinating stories behind the origins of wishing good luck in Italian with in bocca al lupo, which makes this curious expression all the more intriguing. Let’s explore the three most intriguing ones.

The hunting theory

One popular theory traces the origins of in bocca al lupo to the world of hunters. As they prepared to face the dangers of the forest, they would exchange this phrase as a powerful wish for strength and courage, essentially meaning “watch out for ending up in the wolf’s mouth”. Historical references, such as the Vocabolario degli Accademici della Crusca from 1691, support this theory, noting andare in bocca al lupo (lit. “to go into the wolf’s mouth”) as a term for facing danger.

So, based on this theory, when you say in bocca al lupo in Italian, you’re essentially telling someone to face challenges with courage and determination.

The maritime connection

What does In bocca al lupo mean in Italian - Bocche di lupo Others believe this phrase may have roots in the high seas. During the golden age of the Venetian Republic, captains returning from their long voyages had to submit detailed cargo reports to port authorities, who then calculated the corresponding customs. These reports were delivered through bocche di lupo (wolf’s mouths) – small slots built into the port office walls for passing paperwork through day and night.

In this context, wishing someone in bocca al lupo was like sending them off with hopes for a smooth journey and a safe return with their cargo intact. So, today it serves as the perfect send-off for someone about to embark on a new adventure.

A nod to ancient Roman history

If you’re intrigued by ancient legends, there’s a more romantic interpretation of the phrase in bocca al lupo. According to mythology, the twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were saved from the wild waters of the Tiber River by a she-wolf. This story transforms the wolf from a fearsome predator into a symbol of protection and care.

In this light, in bocca al lupo takes on a positive and almost maternal connotation: just as a wolf would carry its cubs in its mouth to protect them, this phrase becomes a wish for ultimate safeguarding. So, the “wolf’s mouth” paradoxically becomes the safest place possible!

How to respond to “In bocca al lupo”: Choose from 2 phrases

When someone wishes you in bocca al lupo, a response is usually expected – actually, it’s just as important as saying good luck itself! And no, saying grazie (thank you) isn’t quite right. Instead, you can choose from the following responses:

1. Crepi il lupo!

How to respond to In bocca al lupo in Italian - Crepi il lupo The classic response to In bocca al lupo is Crepi il lupo! which translates to “May the wolf die!” This expression conveys the idea of overcoming the challenge that the wolf symbolizes. You can even shorten it to Crepi! if you want to keep it snappy. For example:

A: Ho saputo che domani hai l’ultimo esame, in bocca al lupo! – I heard you have your final exam tomorrow, good luck!
B: Crepi! Ti faccio sapere come va – Thanks! I’ll let you know how it goes.

Note: Crepi comes from crepare, which informally means “to die” or, more generally, “to crack.” This verb pops up in various Italian idioms such as crepare di invidia (to die of envy), crepare dal ridere (to die laughing), and crepare di salute (to be in excellent health), and crepi l’avarizia! (blow the expense! for when you spend a large amount of money on something).

2. Evviva il lupo!

How to respond to In bocca al lupo in Italian - Evviva il lupo If you prefer to inject a bit of optimism into your response, opt for Evviva il lupo! which means “Long live the wolf!” This cheerful expression portrays the wolf as a positive, protective force rather than a threat. For example:

A: In bocca al lupo per il tuo nuovo progetto lavorativo! – Good luck with your new work project!
B: Evviva il lupo! – Thanks!

There’s no right or wrong response here – it’s up to you to choose the one that best suits your personality and the context of the conversation.

7 Italian expressions featuring the wolf

In Italian, the wolf is not just used to wish good luck, it also appears in many idioms and sayings used in everyday conversation. Here are some of the most popular Italian wolf-related phrases:

Lupo di mare

(Lit. Sea wolf)

Just like the English term “sea dog,” this expression refers to an expert sailor who knows the sea like the back of their hand.

Il lupo perde il pelo ma non il vizio

(Lit. The wolf loses its fur but not its vice)

This saying captures the idea that, even if someone appears to have shed their old habits, in reality their nature remains unchanged, highlighting how deeply ingrained certain traits can be.

Chi nasce lupo non muore agnello

(Lit. Whoever is born a wolf does not die a lamb)

This is another way of saying that it’s extremely difficult to change one’s nature, no matter how strongly one might wish otherwise.

Avere una fame da lupi

(Lit. To have a hunger of wolves)

When you’re starving to the point where you’d eat anything in sight, you’ve got a wolf-like appetite! This expression is best used in informal conversations.

Gridare al lupo

(Lit. To cry wolf)

This saying means to raise a false alarm. It comes from Aesop’s fable about a shepherd boy who repeatedly cried “Wolf!” just for amusement and when a real wolf eventually appeared, no one believed him.

Un tempo da lupi

(Lit. A wolves’ weather)

This phrase is used to describe that kind of extremely bad weather that makes you want to stay inside and drink tea, evoking the harsh conditions wolves endure in their natural habitats.

Chi pecora si fa, il lupo se la mangia

(Lit. Whoever becomes a sheep, the wolf eats it)

This is a reminder not to be confident and stand up for yourself, or you risk being metaphorically ‘eaten’ by others!

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