Tag Archives: French expressions
Ticket Chic No More Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jul 24, 2018
From its rubber tires to its station signs and art deco entrance-ways, the Paris Metro is one of the oldest, one of the busiest, and perhaps one of the most recognized public transportation systems in the world. In a city of so many iconic sights, it might seem strange that one of the most iconic is…
French Culture – Christmas Traditions Posted by Tim Hildreth on Dec 26, 2017
I’m a little late, but before we get started, I’d like to wish all those who celebrate around the world, un très Joyeux Noël! (a very Merry Christmas!). And speaking of Noël, did you ever wonder (like I did recently) where that word comes from or just what it means? If so, read on to…
French Expressions: Pregnancy and Childbirth Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Apr 17, 2017
I’m due soon with my second son and so have had pregnancy and birth on my mind a lot lately. I’ve always loved the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s use of birth and pregnancy in his writings to denote giving birth to ideas in philosophy. In one famous example, Nietzsche wrote, “What saved me then [from madness]? Nothing…
Analyzing French Expressions: De Souche Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Apr 6, 2017
There’s an expression that you might come across in your French studies: français de souche. What does this mean? Let’s take a look at the term souche and all the different expressions in which it can be used. In French, souche literally means “stump,” as in the stump of a tree. But it also means “origins,” as in one’s…
Funny French Expressions Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Feb 23, 2017
Recently, we’ve gone over French idioms and other common French expressions. But now let’s go over some funny French expressions that will have you laughing out loud (check out this post on the French equivalent of LOL–MDR). Avoir le cafard One of the most common French idiomatic expressions is a funny … if not odd… one…
More Colloquial French Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 29, 2009
I broke my husband’s iPhone yesterday and no, he was not content. And just like many other people in today’s society, I decided to share this event with all of my friends on Facebook. About an hour later, one of my French friends responded with “Tu as des mains à faire des mottes!” and to…
French Language – Body Slang Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 9, 2009
As I’ve written before, understanding and then being able to use expressions and slang in another language is a huge step forward in the language learning process. So, I’ll let you in on some more French slang. These expressions sound like they have something to do with the body, but in fact, do not. Be…