Letters: Quirky French expressions with donkeys, silk and breaking wind
Readers share their favorite silly phrases in the language
Amusing French expressions
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To the Editor,
As an expat in New Zealand, I do enjoy reading The Connexion as the best way to keep in touch with what’s happening in France.
Your article on the French expression avoir le temps de tuer un âne à coup de figues molles’ reminded me of another one from Provence about donkeys: Achète un âne! (yelled in frustration at bad drivers).
The closest we have here is: ‘Found your driver’s licence in a box of cereals?’ But it’s not as satisfactory an insult.
Marie, by email
To the Editor,
I've just read your online article about the French expression péter dans la soie (‘to fart in silk’), which reminded me of actor Robert Mitchum's proposal to Dorothy Spence: "Stick with me, kid, and you'll be farting through silk".
They were married from 1940 until his passing in 1997.
Miles Clery-Fox, by email
To the Editor,
Speaking of farting, I like il péte plus haut que ses fesses’ which describes someone who puts on airs or is snobbish. I like to use it in English as well.
Christopher O'Hagan, by email
Read more: Faut pas pousser mémé dans les orties: Fun French expression no.7
To the Editor,
I came across this at a business meeting in Paris some years ago: Pedaler dans la choucroute (to pedal in the sauerkraut; i.e. getting nowhere fast).
Neil Wiseman, by email
Do you have a favourite amusing French expression? Share it with us at feedback@connexionfrance.com
