Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir du bol

‘T’as du bol !’

This could be the perfect phrase to use the next time your friend has a lucky streak in a board game. 

Although used by many French speakers, many may not realise the somewhat vulgar origins of this informal expression.

What does avoir du bol mean?

This French expression literally translates as: to have some bowl. 

English speakers might be surprised to hear that this phrase is not used to discuss dinner sets but to describe someone with good fortune. 

It is worth highlighting that this expression uses the verb avoir (to have) because, in French, people are often described as ‘having’ luck. In English, you most often describe someone as ‘being’ lucky:

• T’as du bol. - You are a lucky so-and-so (You have a lot of luck).

• Tu es chanceux. - You are lucky.

Read also: 10 French words and phrases that are untranslatable in English

What are the origins of avoir du bol?

Today, bol most often translates to ‘bowl,’ however, in old French, bol, much like pot, is a euphemism used as a slang way of saying anus or bum. 

This expression is also synonymous with:

• Avoir du cul/pot - To be a lucky so-and-so

• Un coup de bol/cul - A lucky shot, or, a fluke

• Tu as le cul bordé de nouilles - Your butt is edged with noodles. (This one is slang more than vulgar, as it is quite widespread.)

• Quelle chatte ! - What luck ! (Vulgar and mostly used by younger people.)

Read also: ‘En avoir ras-le-bol’ - A French expression you may hear today 

When do you say avoir du bol?

This expression is used in informal situations where you want to describe someone as being lucky:

• À chaque coup de dé, tu tombes sur un six. Tu as du bol dis donc ! - With each roll of the dice you land on a six. You’re a lucky guy!

• Il faut vraiment avoir du bol pour gagner à la loterie. - You need a lot of luck to win the lottery. 

You can also transform the phrase to have the opposite meaning:

• Je n'ai pas décroché le boulot… pas de bol. - I didn’t get the job… unlucky.

Read also: Understanding 'les doigts dans le nez': origins and usage of a quirky French expression 

To whom do you say avoir du bol?

This expression is a somewhat vulgar way of describing someone as lucky, and so should only be used in informal situations.

Many speakers do not know about the slang meaning of this word, so do not be shocked if you hear it or read it in headlines. 

More neutral ways of expressing the same meaning would be:

• Tu es/Vous êtes chanceux ! 

• Tu as/Vous avez de la chance !