French is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world. Being French-speaking therefore makes it possible to travel to many countries by communicating without any language barriers! However, it is likely that some local turns of phrase escape you and create misunderstandings that can be embarrassing. In Quebec, for example, the inhabitants will welcome you very warmly, but you will certainly not understand all their pictorial expressions. To help you, here are 10 of our favorite Quebec expressions. You will have your trip!
Shooting a log
If a Quebecer offers to pull a log for you, don't imagine yourself in the woods felling a tree! No, he just invites you to take a chair to join the other guests! This expression has its origin in the rather spartan living conditions of the settlers who did not have chairs but tree trunks cut to the appropriate height
Chewing the rag
Literally, this expression reflects the image of a person chewing on a rag - in Quebec we often use "rag" for a piece of cloth intended for cleaning. Yet, someone who "chews the rag" is simply grumbling, pouting or grumbling. It's better to know! But we're sure you'll never be blamed for it, will we?
Going by train
No, travelling by train will not make you travel. However, it is likely that your loved ones will want to run away since you are breaking their ears! Indeed, if you are accused of "doing the train" it is because you make too much noise, a noise comparable to that of a locomotive! A very colourful expression like the Quebecois in reserve
Having the bitch
In Quebec, it seems that man's best friend is more of a lazy type. Indeed, if someone tells you that they "have the dog" to go to work, immediately understand that they have no motivation, no desire. The expression also has a second meaning that is widely used: we will not say "to be afraid", but "to have the bitch". Fearful and lazy, the dog takes for his rank in Quebec!
Sweeten your beak
Maple syrup, pull: Quebec is a paradise for gourmands who will not hesitate to sweeten their mouths! As you will have understood, this charming expression illustrates the action of eating sweets, desserts or any other sweet pleasure. After a good poutine, it's never a refusal!
Having scabs to eat
Don't worry, if they tell you that you still have crusts to eat, they won't force you to eat bread crusts! This pictorial expression means that you still have a lot of experience to gain, and to do so, you will have to go through many disappointments and a sometimes difficult path, that is, crusts to eat. In a few years, you will have the right to the crumb, I promise!
Spend the night on the clothesline
If a Quebecker tells you that he spent "the night on the clothesline", he is not talking to you about his laundry but confiding to you that he has slept very little. This very pictorial expression means having spent a sleepless or very agitated night. The lack of sleep is then compared to clothes that have spent the night outside, on the clothesline, and that in the early morning still have the features drawn
Singing the apple
At first glance, this expression seems incomprehensible. Yet, if you think about it, apples have always been associated with temptation and desire. If a Quebecker "sings the apple" to you, he or she will be seducing you! It's up to you whether you want to bite into this apple or not!
Banging nails
It is certainly one of the most charming expressions in Quebec. To hit nails, you don't necessarily have to be a handyman, you just have to be out of sleep! Indeed, the repetitive movement of the hammer hitting the nail is associated here with the unconscious movements of the head that falls when fatigue is felt but one tries to stay awake. A very common feeling after spending the night on the clothesline!
Having your trip
Again, the expression is misleading. It is not a journey in the true sense of the word here, but a very great surprise, a surprise, a surprise
- you can think, "I can't believe it! ", widely used in France, except that in Quebec we specify that we do not return from a trip! However, surprise can be unpleasant and "having your trip", in this case, means being very "annoyed"
