Learning French: the origins and meaning of arrête ton char
Say this when someone starts talking nonsense
This playful French phrase also has a lesser-used cinematic variation
Stefan Holm/Shutterstock
If you attended the finale of the Nice Carnival this weekend, you may have heard people marveling at the jaw-dropping chars (floats) passing through the city centre.
But did you know that this word also features in a popular French saying?
Arrête ton char is actually said as an informal reaction to hearing something unbelievable or exaggerated.
We will look at how to use it in casual French conversations and explain the film-related origins behind a lesser-used variation of the phrase.
What does arrête ton char mean?
This informal expression literally translates as: stop your chariot.
Some English speakers might incorrectly assume this French saying is the equivalent of, ‘hold your horses,’ implying that someone should slow down.
It is more similar, however, to the phrases: ‘give it a rest,’ ‘you are having a laugh,’ or ‘stop fooling around.’
Similar casual synonyms include:
Arrête de raconter n'importe quoi - Stop talking nonsense
Arrête de dire des bêtises - Stop talking rubbish
C’est pas vrai - There is no way
C'est ça (sarcastic) - Yeah, sure
N'exagère pas - Don’t exaggerate
Read also: Learning French: what does n’importe quoi mean and when should it be used?
What are the origins of arrête ton char?
This amusing expression, which is thought to date to the mid 20th Century, is actually a play-on-words.
Char is used to describe a tank or chariot, while charre (stemming from the verb charrier) is a slang way of referring to an elaborate joke or exaggeration.
The metaphor illustrates the idea of someone talking rubbish at the same rate as a speeding chariot that cannot be stopped.
Arrête ton char, Ben-Hur, is a variation of the phrase that is sometimes heard as a reference to the 1959 American film, Ben-Hur, and its iconic nine-minute chariot race through Ancient Rome.
Read also: ‘Arrête tes bêtises!’ - Nine ways to scold someone in French
When do you say arrête ton char?
It is most often said as a standalone response.
Use this as a reaction to someone who says something unbelievable:
It can also be used to imply that someone is exaggerating:
Read also: How do you express irritation in French but in a polite way?
To whom do you say arrête ton char?
It is informal language that should only really be used with friends and family, or people you are familiar with.
You will never use this in the formal, vouvoie form.
It is usually said as a playful tease, however depending on your tone of voice, it could come across as a criticism.
If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com
