General
nanti
What does nanti mean?
As a warning, 'nanti' meant 'beware', 'stop' or 'shut up' — a quick coded alert when danger or a stranger was near.
"Nanti! Charpering omi coming this way."
Origin
Polari/Parlyaree of 19th- and 20th-century Britain; 'nanti' comes from Italian 'niente' (nothing) and served as both negation and warning, as documented by Paul Baker.
Frequently asked questions
What does nanti mean?
It is Polari for none, no or nothing, and also a warning to beware or be quiet.
Where does nanti come from?
From Italian 'niente' (nothing), borrowed through Parlyaree.
How was nanti used as a warning?
A sharp 'nanti!' alerted friends to a police officer or stranger — 'beware' or 'shut up'.
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