adverb General Slang

Nanti

/ˈnænti/ · adverb · slang

Polari for none, no, or beware — a vital warning word in dangerous times.

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Definitions

1

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.”
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2

In Polari, none, no, nothing or not any. From Italian 'niente' (nothing) via Parlyaree.

“Nanti bevvies left, I'm afraid.”
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3

In phrases like 'nanti polari' (don't speak) and 'nanti dinari' (no money), it negated whatever followed.

“Nanti polari in front of him, he's not one of us.”
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Nanti In A Sentence

Nanti that omi, dear — he's trouble.
We had a fantabulosa night despite having nanti dinari between us.
Nanti! Keep your voice down, walls have ears.

Origin & Usage

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.

Variants nanteenantynantoise
Tags #polari#lgbtq#british#heritage#vintage#lexicon

People Also Ask

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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