Learning French: the origins and meaning of tenir au jus

Keep me updated, keep me posted, keep me… juiced?

We look at the explanation behind this amusing expression that can be used to mark the end of casual French conversations. 

What does tenir au jus mean?

It could literally be translated as: to hold in juice.

You will most likely hear this phrase formed as: on se tient au jus, or tu me tiens au jus. 

These expressions are actually used to indicate that someone should keep you ‘posted’ or ‘up to date’ with any news regarding the evolution of a situation.

Similar sayings and variations include:

• Tenir au courant - Let me know

• Tenir informé - To be kept informed 

• Être dans la boucle - To be in the loop

Read also: 10 useful French expressions using the verb tenir

What are the origins of tenir au jus?

This (fairly) modern expression derives from a play-on-words of a more widely-used saying: on se tient au courant. 

Courant refers to the idea of something current (happening now) but is also used to describe an electrical current. 

Jus is an informal synonym of electrical power, just like juice being used to describe battery charge in English.

Therefore, on se tient au courant became on se tient au jus.

Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of boire la tasse

When do you say tenir au jus?

You will most likely say this at the end of a conversation or when saying goodbye to someone. 

Say this when promising to keep someone informed as a situation evolves:

• Ne t'inquiète pas, je te tiens au jus pendant la journée. - Don’t worry, I’ll keep you updated throughout the day.

You can also use it to imply that other people should send you updates:

• Je ne sais pas quand tu vas finir le travail ce soir, mais on se tient au jus. - I’m not sure when you will finish work tonight but we can keep each other posted. 

It can also be said to request that someone keeps you in the loop:

• Tu me tiens au jus ? - Will you let me know ?

Read also: Learning French: what does ça te dit mean and when should it be used?

To whom do you say tenir au jus?

It is casual, colloquial language and can be used with friends and close family members.

You should avoid using this in formal or professional settings, with elderly people, colleagues or clients for example.

You will mainly say this out loud but it can also be read in casual message exchanges.

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