Learning French: what does pile-poil mean and when should it be used?
Plus, find out how to pronounce this precise phrase
You might use pile-poil in a similar way to: bullseye
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When visiting France, you may come across the amusing (yet slightly confusing) phrase: pile-poil.
It can be used as a fun way of describing something perfectly coincidental or exactly right.
We look at when to use this expression in everyday casual French and explain how to say it just like a native speaker.
What does pile-poil mean?
Pile has a few different meanings in French. It can be used as a noun to refer to a battery, a pile or stack, and the ‘tails’ side of a coin.
In this context, however, it is used as an adverb to mean: exactly.
Poil is the word for: hair. It is worth reminding that the French differentiate between hair on your head (cheveux) and every other type of hair (poil), from body hair to animal fur to brush bristles.
So, pile-poil literally translates as: exact hair.
Read also: Learning French: arriver comme un cheveu sur la soupe and other soup expressions
It is used to describe something precise or perfect, and can sometimes also just be shortened to: pile.
Similar phrases include:
Dead/bang/spot on - Exact
Slap bang - Comme il faut
On the nose/dot - à la perfection
To a ‘T’ - à la lettre
Like a glove - Comme un gant
Bullseye - En plein dans le mille
Other French variations of this saying use the verb tomber (to fall): tomber au poil or tomber pile. This can refer to an event that happens at exactly the right moment.
Similarly, you might hear: à un poil près (by a whisker, by the skin of your teeth).
Read also: Learning French: what does grosso modo mean and when should it be used?
What are the origins of pile-poil?
The exact origins of this expression are unclear, with several conflicting theories.
It is thought that pile-poil comes from a combination of two separate phrases: tomber pile and au poil, each referring to the idea of precision.
The fusion of these sayings was featured in Les Guignols de l’Info (1988-2018), a satirical French TV programme featuring latex puppets of famous figures, parodying a news bulletin. A puppet representing Jacques Chirac was heard using pile-poil, which is thought to have encouraged its increase in popularity.
How do you say pile-poil?
While the French pile looks just like a similar word in English, it is pronounced differently. Phonetically, it could be written as: [peel].
Poil is pronounced: [pwah-luh].
Read also: Au pif: How many of these French estimation phrases do you know?
When do you say pile-poil?
Use this phrase to describe something extremely precise:
Say this when something happens at exactly the right time:
It can also refer to something which fits just perfectly:
J'ai acheté un jean dans une friperie et, coup de chance, il était pile-poil à ma taille. - I bought a pair of jeans from the thrift shop and, what luck, they were exactly my size.
Read also: Learning French: what does tiré par les cheveux mean and when should it be used?
To whom do you say pile-poil?
It is informal, colloquial language that can be used with friends and family.
There is no risk of causing offense with this expression, even in formal situations.
You will mainly hear this spoken out loud rather than seeing it written down.
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
