If you’re a frequent user of Twitter, Instagram or TikTok apps, you’ve undoubtedly come across these Italian expressions: “Attenzione pickpocket!” or “Attenzione borseggiatrici!”. Crossing linguistic boundaries, these expressions have become a real hit on the internet and have become the stars of countless memes. However, do you know the origin of this viral phenomenon?
Trending: Attorney General explains data request from Bolsonaro’s supporters
Continue reading:
The mystery of Sophia: New evidence emerges in the missing girl’s case
Gigi Hadid has been arrested in the Cayman Islands for marijuana possession in a controversial airport incident
The sentence can be translated directly from Italian as “Beware of pickpockets”. It starts with a video of a woman warning tourists about the danger of interstellar theft in Venice, which went viral on TikTok. Mobile phones, passports and even documents are targeted by criminals. The woman’s selfless actions gained notoriety and the video quickly hit astronomical milestones with more than 10 million views.
Who is behind the phrases that shook social networks?
In the digital universe, it is common for a video, photo or sentence to have an impact and spread like a virus. In this case, the cradle of the phenomenon is an action aimed at the safety and wellbeing of tourists in the Italian city of Venice.
According to Newsweek magazine, the voice behind the viral alerts is Mônica, a 57yearold woman who is part of a group of 40 volunteers working to combat the illegal practice. You are responsible for identifying and alerting possible criminals.
Trending: Gigi Hadid arrested in Cayman Islands for marijuana possession in controversial airport incident
“Cittadini Non Distratti”: The vigilant citizens of social networks
Although the group “Cittadini Non Distratti” (Citizens Without Distractions) has existed for 30 years, it was only four years ago that they decided to create a profile on Facebook to expand their activities. The site not only warns of theft, but also publishes pictures of suspects.
Later, the initiative reached the TikTok platform by posting videos of Monica’s alarming voice and people running through the streets of Venice. Since then, the profile has garnered impressive notoriety and has become an endless source of countless memes, shared countless times.
A virtual phenomenon with a real purpose
From the enormous success on social networks, many memes emerged that allowed the phrases “Attenzione pickpocket!” and “Achtung Borseggiatrici!” have become part of the collective imagination. For all the popularization and humor inherent in memes, we must not forget the original purpose that gave life to these expressions: to inform and prevent. So, if you’re thinking about visiting Venice or anywhere else in Italy, you already know: keep the “Attention!”