Learning French: when and why do we say la douche écossaise?
This expression can describe someone who is acting ‘hot and cold’
Discover the link between Scottish showers and the thermal baths of Aix-les-Bains
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C’est une douche écossaise.
This colloquial phrase might be said after experiencing an emotional rollercoaster or describe someone who appeared to have a warm heart but ended up giving the cold shoulder.
You might be wondering why the French link these contrasting situations to Scottish showers.
We look at how to use douche écossaise in everyday French and why this Scottish tradition was brought to Aix-les-Bains in the 1820s.
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What does la douche écossaise mean?
It literally translates as: the Scottish shower.
This expression refers to someone with an unstable attitude, alternating between good and bad, but can also refer more generally to a series of positive and negative events.
It is similar to the English phrases:
To be on an emotional rollercoaster
To go from one extreme to the other
To have a series of ups and downs
To be hot and cold
Douche écossaise can also sometimes refer to a big disappointment or piece of bad news.
What are the origins of la douche écossaise?
The meaning behind this expression does not stem from Scotland’s unpredictable weather forecast or from any suggestion that Scots have contrasting attitudes. It actually comes from their 19th Century hydrotherapy practices.
The Scottish shower is a traditional bathing routine that involves alternating between hot and cold water. It is said to stimulate blood circulation, increase energy levels and enhance skin and hair health.
Dr Joseph Despine first brought the practice, previously known as a bain écossais (Scottish bath), to France in the late 1700s after seeing it used in Scotland to treat hypochondria.
His son then introduced it to the thermal baths of Aix-les-Bains (Savoie) in 1822, believing the temperature shock benefits would help ill patients.
This led to the douche écossaise metaphor.
Just as a literal Scottish shower switches between hot and cold water, an emotional Scottish shower refers to alternating moments of joy and sadness.
When do you say la douche écossaise?
You can say this when you experience a contrast of good and bad situations:
La semaine dernière, je pensais être licencié. Cette semaine, j'ai eu une promotion. C’est la douche écossaise ! - Last week I thought I would be fired and this week I got a promotion. It’s an emotional rollercoaster!
It can refer to disappointing news:
It can also be used as a standalone response to describe a person’s switching emotions or demeanour:
Le monsieur était très chaleureux et bavard ce matin. Depuis cet après-midi, il ne me regarde même plus. - This morning the man was very warm and chatty but, since the afternoon, he won't even look at me.
Bizarre. C’est un peu la douche écossaise avec lui. - That’s odd. He seems a bit hot and cold.
To whom do you say la douche écossaise?
It is a colloquial expression which is considered neutral language and can be used with both close friends and strangers.
Be careful when using this phrase as some people may take offence if you describe their behaviour as being la douche écossaise.
Read also: Understanding 'c’est de la daube': exploring French slang and cuisine origins
