Letters: Readers share their French language howlers

To the Editor,

I write regarding Annaliza Davis’s recent language article on issue on parking.

I once wrote a bilingual notice advertising an outing in our association bulletin. In the French version I wrote: “A votre arrivée au village, vous pouvez vous égarer derrière l'église.”

Our French proofreader spotted the howler and explained to me that it really meant: “On arrival in the village you can go morally astray behind the church”.

I thought it was a shame to correct the mistake. We could have had a record attendance for the event!

Marjorie Smith, by email

To the Editor,

More than 30 years ago we shared happy "franglais" evenings with the French neighbours from whom we bought our house. We all wanted to improve our language skills and it was great fun.

After a few months of shaking hands I asked if we knew each other well enough to exchange kisses (four kisses is usual here in the western Loire Valley).

At least, I thought that was what I asked – feeling sure I'd learned the verb "baiser" at school. 

"Best to avoid that verb," stuttered our host, both of them having collapsed in laughter for several minutes. "Er, it doesn't actually mean kissing ...."

Try "faire la bise" unless you want to be teased for the next 30 years. Happily, we are all still the best of friends! 

Suzy Riley, by email

To the Editor,

Further to the readers’ letters about translation issues, Google Translate caused great confusion with our neighbour when I offered them a lift, after the husband damaged his hand and could not drive for a couple of weeks.

Cue puzzled looks as they queried why I was asking if they needed an ‘ascenseur’.

Ian Schofield, by email

Read more: Learning French: what does casse-croûte mean and when should it be used?

Have you committed any French language howlers? Share them with us at letters@connexionfrance.com