Bizarre French Expressions: December
Due to the surprising popularity of these, I’ve decided to gather them in a little email recap.
“Pisser dans un violon”
Literal Translation: “To piss in a violin”
Meaning: This rather specific French expression signifies 'to waste time' or 'to talk to a wall'.
Example: “Talking to this idiot on Twitter is like pissing in a violin.”
“Ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard.”
Literal Translation: Something like “It doesn't break three legs of a duck.”
Meaning: “It’s not that incredible.”
Example:
“Have you seen that latest Taiwanese silent drama which won at Cannes Critics' Week?”
“Yeah, twice, but it doesn't break three legs of a duck…”
Origins: I think the logic of it is that it would already be incredible to find a three-legged duck in the first place, so managing to break all three of its legs would truly be incredible. Why the duck violence, I’m not sure, but most of these expressions come from medieval times.
“Mentir comme un arracheur de dents”
Literal Translation: “lying like a tooth-puller”
Meaning: Lying brazenly
Example: “The CEO said there would be no layoffs before Christmas, but he is lying like a tooth-puller!”
Origins: In the 17th century, dentists offered their services in town squares and markets, and swore that people would not suffer…
“Avoir le cul bordé de nouilles.”
Literal Translation: “To have your ass edged with noodles” – admittedly, this one's a bit tricky to translate.
Meaning: To be extremely lucky.
Example: “Have you seen that Phil's note on Substack went viral?” “Yeah… He really has his ass edged with noodles.”
Note: No one under 60 years of age uses this expression.
“Abracadabrantesque”
Literal Translation: Just as it is in French, I suppose.
Meaning: A grandiose/comic way of calling something ludicrous.
Example: “In front of the court, FTX’s ex-CEO Sam Bankman-Fried came up with a completely abracadabrantesque story.”
“Faut pas pousser mémé dans les orties”
Literal translation: Let’s not push granny into the nettles.
Meaning: Someone is going overboard with their actions or requests, and they must stop.
Example: “I barely survived the first half of this ballet, don't force me to sit through the rest! Let's not push granny into the nettles!”
Origins: There was clearly a time in French history when throwing an elderly person into a nettle bush was scandalous behaviour.
It is funny to see these expressions elevated like this. I live in France and I am French, even for me some are so weird sometimes, but quite funny. Some even that I have never spoken and it is a good thing.
It is for many a visual and intellectual play of words. A catchy and intentional (provocation) association to capture attention
I will look out for your next batch ✨️
" C'est bien ficelé tout ça "
Every language has its quirky sayings. I'm trying to track down 'so much thunder for a little omlette' after a monk who broke Lent and the monastry was struck by lightning. French or possibly Spanish.