Susanna Riva In recent years, the term "maranza" has frequently appeared in newspaper headlines, political debates, and social media comments. What was once a semi-joking term has morphed into a generally negative adjective, used to describe young people perceived as troublemakers or members of street gangs. To understand how this metamorphosis occurred, it's necessary to retrace its roots, analyze its first appearances, and observe the influence of new media.
The Roots of the Term: Jovanotti and the 80s
The first documented use of maranza dates back to 1988, when the young Italian rapper Lorenzo Cherubini, better known as Jovanotti , included the word in his song "Il capo della banda." The line goes: "My name is Jovanotti and I'm in this environment / of madmen from maranza and the mentally ill..."
At the time, the term was synonymous with "tamarro" or "coward," referring to youths from the urban suburbs who stood out for their perceived uncouth tastes and behavior. The setting was heavily influenced by the "Born in the USA" myth, which celebrated American style and youthful rebellion.
Hypotheses on the etymology
The etymological path of maranza is shrouded in mystery.
One theory suggests a derivation from the Southern Italian word "maranza," used to refer to eggplant , giving the word a connotation of "common thing." Other hypotheses link the word to "Marrakesh" or "Morocco," terms used in youth slang to evoke exotic or distant places. A more technical explanation traces it back to the "Maranz" brand, known in the 70s and 80s for its hi-fi systems, referring to young people who listened to music at full volume in cars or at parties.
From the outskirts to the pages of the Zingarelli
In the following decades, especially in the 90s, the meaning of " maranza" became consolidated in dictionaries. The Zingarelli 2026 version defines it as "a young man from the urban outskirts with rough and vulgar tastes and behavior, who mostly moves in groups." This definition remains faithful to the original usage, but introduces the idea of belonging to "baby gangs," informal groups that gather for nighttime strolls or small-scale disturbances. The group vocation has remained a constant, as the term was often associated with individuals who wandered around in company, creating a collective image of rebellion and transgression.
Digital Rebirth: TikTok and the New Face of Maranza
With the advent of social media, particularly TikTok since 2019, the term "maranza" has taken on a new lease of life. Young people who identify with this label adopt a more recognizable style: black tracksuit, hoodie, designer sneakers, and branded accessories. This look has almost become a badge of belonging, making it easier to spot "maranza" groups on the streets of Italian cities. The press has begun using the term to describe more aggressive behavior, such as harassing passersby or causing public disturbances. This evolution demonstrates how a slang originating in a song can transform into a social phenomenon, fueled by the virality of digital content.
In short, maranza has come a long way: from an almost comical expression in Jovanotti's lyrics, to a formal definition in the Zingarelli newspaper, to becoming a recognizable category on social media. Its journey reflects the cultural and technological changes in Italian society, demonstrating how words can evolve, accumulate new meanings, and influence generational perceptions.