Living With a First-Generation American Italian (Sicilian) Man - #2 Keveke

Many years ago, an invitation arrived announcing his upcoming class reunion. We purchased tickets for the event, and he and his twin brother looked forward to attending to find out what their former classmates were doing. 

Upon arrival we found there were a large number of his old acquaintances in attendance. One never knows if a class reunion will be successful and fun or a big bust, so I was pleased to find it well attended. As an outsider, I looked forward to watching as they became reacquainted, and we all looked forward to an evening of food, drinks, mingling and dancing.

Now, one needs to keep in mind that while growing up the twin's mother led them to believe they were God's gift. Although they did spend time catching up with old friends, you can hazard a guess as to how they strutted like peacocks around old girlfriends to ensure they were aware of their presence. It was amusing to watch as they walked around the room like prom kings.

The next morning, I overheard him talking to his brother on the phone. He said to him, "were all the women giving you the keveke too?" He confirmed they were, and I couldn't help but ask what keveke meant. They said it was a Greek term they learned growing up and it meant they were giving them the eye or flirting. I burst into laughter recognizing how their big, yet fragile egos had been fed by the perceived flirtations. I let them know if that was the meaning, then all of the men must have been giving me the keveke too.

A fun evening and a great story that I have enjoyed telling since then.