Learning French: the origins and meaning of se lever du pied gauche
A useful saying to describe someone who is in a bad mood
Se lever du pied gauche is similar to the English expression: to get up on the wrong side of bed
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In times gone by, left-handedness (être gaucher(ère)) was often considered a sign of someone being evil or cursed.
The negative connotations surrounding ‘the left,’ although less frowned upon today, still linger in various phrases such as: se lever du pied gauche (to get up with the left foot).
We look at how to use this saying to describe someone cranky and highlight similar expressions in both French and English.
What does se lever du pied gauche mean?
This saying literally translates as: to get up with the left foot.
It describes someone who is usually in a good mood but who, on this particular day, has been cranky since waking up.
It is similar to the English expression: to get up on the wrong side of bed.
Related expressions include:
Se lever du mauvais pied - To get up on the wrong foot
Se réveiller de mauvaise humeur - To wake up in a bad mood
Se lever du bon pied - To get up on the right side of bed
Partir du bon pied - To get off on the right foot
Read also: Letters: Saying bonjour really makes life easier in France
What are the origins of se lever du pied gauche?
This saying finds its origins in ancient superstitions surrounding negative connotations associated with the left side of the body. People who were naturally left-handed were considered to be witches, either being punished or forced to use their right hand.
In many cultures, dating as far back as ancient Rome, it is customary to begin an action with the right foot or hand to avoid attracting any bad omens.
Some theories suggest that Romans would observe the skies in search of signs from the Gods. If the birds were flying from the left side then a negative future was on the horizon.
These connotations are even drilled into the linguistic origins of the words ‘left’ and ‘right’. In Old French, the word senestre meant ‘left,’ gradually transforming into sinistre (sinister). On the other hand, the word droit means ‘right,’ with much more positive connections of being honest and lawful.
This is also reflected in other French expressions such as:
If someone is acting grumpy then you could assume they have started out on their left foot and so have been cursed with a negative outlook for the day ahead.
Read also: Learning French: what is a gros mot?
When do you say se lever du pied gauche?
Use this saying to describe someone who is acting uncharacteristically irritated and short-tempered:
You could also say it in reaction to someone who is snappy or who overreacts (but beware of adding fuel to the fire):
Statement: Va-t'en. Je n'ai pas de temps à perdre avec tes jeux débiles. - Go away. I don’t have time for your silly games.
Response: D'accord, je pense que quelqu'un s'est levé du pied gauche. - Okay, I think someone started out on the wrong foot.
Notice that this phrase is most often conjugated in the past tense, since the action refers to something that supposedly happened earlier in the day.
You can also replace this saying with the opposite, se lever du bon pied, to imply someone is particularly chirpy.
To whom do you say se lever du pied gauche?
It is neutral language and can be used with friends and family or colleagues and strangers.
You risk being met with a negative reaction, however, if you say this to somebody who is already having a bad day.
Read also: Faire la grasse matinée: Understanding French sleep expressions
