gassata

Gassata is an Italian term used to describe beverages that are carbonated. The feminine noun la gassata can refer to a carbonated drink in general, while the common label acqua gassata denotes sparkling water. In Italian grocery stores and menus, acqua gassata or simply gassata distinguishes sparkling water from still water, which is called acqua naturale. Regional usage varies, and some contexts use frizzante instead of gassata; the terms are often interchangeable in everyday speech but may be used differently by producers or in labeling.

Etymology and meaning: The word derives from gas (carbon dioxide) dissolved in water, with the suffix -ata forming a nominal for a product or result. Thus gassata denotes the state or product of carbonation.

Usage and labeling: In practice, gassata appears on beverage labels and menus to indicate carbonation. The degree of carbonation can vary, and some brands or regions may emphasize different terminology. While gassata is common in Italian-speaking contexts, English-language usage tends not to adopt the term, where sparkling or carbonated water is the standard expression.

See also: acqua gassata, acqua frizzante, acqua naturale.