ingoiavamo

Ingoiavamo is a neologism derived from the Italian verb *ingoiavamo*, which is the first-person plural imperfect indicative of *ingoiare* ("to swallow"). The term gained informal popularity in Italy, particularly among younger generations, as a playful or exaggerated way to express the act of consuming food or drink rapidly, often in a humorous or exaggerated manner. It conveys a sense of voraciousness or enthusiasm, akin to phrases like "we were eating like wolves" or "we were devouring everything."

The word blends linguistic creativity with the cultural tendency to use imperfect tenses in Italian to describe habitual or ongoing actions in the past. While not a standard term in formal Italian, it reflects the language’s flexibility and the playful nature of slang. Its usage is most common in casual conversations, social media, or memes, where it adds a lighthearted or exaggerated tone.

Ingoiavamo is not recognized in dictionaries but exemplifies how language evolves through informal usage. Similar playful constructions exist in other languages, such as English’s "we were eating like there was no tomorrow." The term remains a niche example of linguistic innovation, appreciated primarily within specific online or youth-oriented communities.