Learning French: what does avoir des doigts de fée mean and when should it be used?
A fairy phrase for when you are charmed by someone’s skilled handiwork
It can describe someone with a talent for making fiddly crafts
Bogdan Sonjachnyj / Shutterstock
What do seamstresses, artists, musicians, chefs and bakers all have in common? They each have des doigts de fée!
If a French person ever compliments your ‘fairy fingers,’ they have likely been charmed by your skilled handiwork or ability to produce delicate, handmade creations.
We look at ways to use it in French conversations and look at similar phrases praising the magical powers of fairies.
What does avoir des doigts de fée mean?
This magical phrase literally translates as 'to have fairy fingers'.
It really refers to being nimble, delicate and skilled with your fingers. It is often used in the context of handmade crafts.
Read also: Understanding 'les doigts dans le nez': origins and usage of a quirky French expression
The English language carries the similar expression, ‘twinkle toes,’ which refers to someone (often a dancer) who is quick, graceful and nimble on their feet.
A synonym in French is, avoir de l’or au bout des doigts (to have gold at your fingertips).
What are the origins of avoir des doigts de fée?
Tales and legends of magical fairies date back to the Middle Ages. These small but powerful creatures were depicted as being capable of granting wishes and casting spells, sprinkling fairy dust wherever they go.
Comparing fingers to fairies therefore implies having a magical touch and being deemed talented in producing unbelievable, delicate creations.
Similar French phrases referring to the skilled nature of fairies include:
Read also: Exploring the charm of 'fada': The unique slang of marseille and its cultural significance
When do you say avoir des doigts de fée?
You can say this to compliment someone who is talented at manual activities.
You might find yourself saying it at a craft fair or upon receiving a handmade gift:
Ma mère a tricoté ce joli pull avec ses doigts de fée ! - My mum knitted this pretty jumper with her nimble fingers!
Tes doigts de fée ont dû travailler toute la nuit pour réaliser ces belles peintures. - Your skilled hands must have been working all through the night to make these beautiful paintings.
It can also describe someone who generally has skilled or steady hands:
La coiffeuse a complètement transformé mes cheveux, elle a des doigts de fée. - The hair dresser completely transformed my hair, she is my fairy godmother.
Il faut des doigts de fée pour faire des pâtisseries françaises. - You need a steady hand to make French patisseries.
Read also: Discover the sweet oigins of candyfloss: From 'barbe à papa' to children's books
To whom do you say avoir des doigts de fée?
It is considered neutral language and so can be used in a range of both formal and informal contexts, with friends, family, or strangers.
It can also be heard out loud or seen written down.
This expression is most often used to refer to women due to the gentle connotations of ‘femininity,’ and the fact that fairies are most often depicted as being girls. However, avoir des doigts de fée can also be used to describe men.
Read also: French women make world’s biggest Christmas jumper
