Learning French: when and why do we say appuyer sur le champignon?
A quick expression for when you feel the need for speed
This phrase literally translates as: to press on the mushroom
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What do mushrooms and speeding cars have in common?
Sure, Mario Kart might be the first thing that springs to mind, however in this instance we are actually referring to a fun French phrase: appuyer sur le champignon.
We look at tips to help pronounce it and share alternative sayings for when you feel the need for speed.
What does appuyer sur le champignon mean?
This expression literally translates as: to press on the mushroom.
It really refers to the idea of speeding up by pushing on an accelerator, especially in a car or motor vehicle.
It can also be used figuratively to describe putting more energy into a drawn-out task.
More appropriate translations would be:
Step on it
Step on the gas
Put your foot down
Get a move on
Read also: 100 years of Le Mans: what makes this French car race so special?
What are the origins of appuyer sur le champignon?
This amusing expression is thought to date back to the early 20th Century.
It was inspired by the original shape of car pedals, which resembled mushroom caps and would be pushed down to increase speed. People could therefore imagine themselves stepping on a mushroom.
Even though the form of accelerator pedals has evolved, this phrase remains synonymous with moving faster.
It also brought rise to a sing-song bus chant: Chauffeur, chauffeur, si t’es champion, appuie sur le champignon ! (Driver, driver, if you are a champion, put your foot on the pedal).
How do you say appuyer sur le champignon?
There are lots of tricky French sounds and vowel combinations in this phrase, such as -uyer or -ignon.
If we were to write each word phonetically it would look something like: appeh-wee-ay soo-reh le shawm-peen-yon.
Remember to watch out for the differing R sounds at the end of appuyer and sur.
Read also: How phonetic exercises will help you master the French language
When do you say appuyer sur le champignon?
It can describe accelerating in a car:
It can also be used figuratively to encourage someone to move faster:
Read also: Mushroom foraging in France: tips and safety from experts
To whom do you say appuyer sur le champignon?
It is informal language and can be used with friends and family.
This phrase is mainly said out loud rather than being written down.
Similar French equivalents include:
Écraser le champignon - To crush the mushroom
Conduire le pied au plancher - To put your foot on the accelerator
Mettre le gaz - To step on the gas
Rouler à fond de six - To drive in 6th gear
Read also: ‘Je n’en reviens pas!’: How to use the verb venir in everyday French
