An other fascinating French idiom! "Tomber dans les pommes" literally translates as "to fall in the apples"! - What it actually means is to "pass out/to faint"!
Chouchou , pronounced “shou-shou”, has a variety of uses. The word chouchou is mostly used as a childish term of endearment to imply that someone is the favourite person in the group – to this end, it is often used in a school setting, typically to say that someone is a teacher’s pet. “ C’est le chouchou du prof ” ( he is the teacher’s pet). The word chouchoute will be used for a girl or a woman. In broader terms, it can also mean that someone is the favourite (darling) of a nation, political group or a movement. In a different context, chouchou also translates as a “scrunchy” used to hold a ponytail or a bun together. Finally, the term chouchous is used to describe caramelised peanuts, a traditional sweet in France. French language can be complex at times!!!
In France, a woman’s birth name appears on all official documents. While it is common for women from nations such as Ireland, Australia, UK and the USA, to change their name on passports and driving licences when they get married, in France these documents remain in the name you were born with. Upon marrying, a woman in France gains the right to use her spouse’s surname, but it never becomes her actual name. For instance, Monsieur Dubois’s wife may be known as Madame Dubois but her passport, driving licence and all other official documents remain in the name she was born with. For all administrative dealings, Madame Dubois will still be identified by her birth name, Madame Chevalier. Legally speaking – public servants are not allowed to call a citizen by any other name than the one shown on their birth certificate. In the wake of the revolution, a law was passed in August 1794 stating, “No citizen can use a first name or surname other than that written on their bir...
Le Vendredi Treize Friday the 13th has always been the source of many superstitions and legends! What are the origins? Pagan? Greek and Roman? Biblical? Knights Templar? Although there are many theories, many French see the origin of this significant day in the New Testament that links Friday the 13th to the Last Supper and Jesus’ Crucifixion. Twelve of Jesus’ disciples attended the Last Supper, bringing the numbers of participants obviously to 13. Jesus’ last meal took place before his Crucifixion on the Friday of the Holy Week Is Friday the 13 th lucky or unlucky? In spite of all the suspicions and stories, Friday the 13th is considered a Lucky day by many French people, especially by those gaming. Figures show that there are 3 times more gamers on Friday the 13th than on any other Friday! The “ Française des Jeux ”, the official operator of France’s national lottery games , is taking full advantage and , the official operator of France’s national lotte...
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