10 Quebec expressions that a Frenchman cannot understand

Some Quebec phrases to understand Creeping better language differences

As you all know, the inhabitants of Quebec speak French, but they do not use exactly the same common expressions only French. The emphasis, of course, the words and expressions are all very different from those of Francophones abroad. If you travel to Montreal For example (or make a PVT), you will need a little time to get used to it accent Quebec accent . Quebecers also speak fast and make word contractions... To begin to understand some subtleties of this language, here 10 expressions Hold on!

1. “Having water in the cellar”

In French-speaking Canada, “to have water in the cellar” does not mean that there is flooding but on the contrary that your pants are too short . If in France we are able to say (with charm) “go fishing for the mussel”, Quebecers have as much humor. Clearly, go buy a new jeans.

2. "Having bibittes"

French cannot understand this expression simply because they have a badly turned mind. “Bite” expressing the genital part of man, we can’t imagine what Canadians mean by it... If a Quebecer asks you if “you have bibittes”, don’t think he or she asks you something intimacy. No, we're asking you here if you have personal problems . For example: « Christophe, is what you got? "No, thank you, it's all right! » .

3. “It doesn’t look! »

That expression is easy to understand, isn't it? Even if we might think that we are talking about elegance, a little reflection allows us to arrive at the conclusion that “It doesn’t make sense” or “it’s anything” . Example: “This morning Fanny came by bike as he snowed hard. “Oh, that doesn’t look, she should have taken her car. »

4. “I love Frencher my chum! »

Francophone Canadians do not like to use anglicism in their language. But they are surrounded by Anglophones and sometimes they use words deviated from English. "Frencher" is a semi-English word mid-French and its meaning can be obvious to those who speak English. This comes from the term "French kiss", which means « kiss » . « Chum » or « blonde » are the words for « boyfriend » and « girlfriend » . Even if your girlfriend is brown, you can call her “my blonde”. Example: “What is Thomas doing? "He Frenches his blonde down there"

5. « Malcommode »

If someone is Unpleasant , it can be said that it is “badcommode”. However, you can be happy that it is not “a cave esti” (a big idiot). Example: You ask someone if he is well and he doesn’t answer. He's uncomfortable.

6. "Take your tuque! »

Nothing is more Quebec than the tuque. In Canada, it is an essential accessory in winter. This is what is called in France. But the expression in question means « Warning » or "Be ready" . Example: "I'll push that sled down the hill, tie your tuque! »

7. « Pantout »

When we say "not at all" , Quebecers say "pantout". It is shorter and widespread. However, we always feel that they say “pantufle”. Example: "Is that what you're up to? » (see below) « Pantout, everything is fine » .

8. "Being in mosus"

♪ Bags Quebec is well known to be the testimony of Quebec’s religious heritage. Tabarnak (tabernacle), shout (Christ)... there are dozens like these. These terms all come from the jargon of the church. “Mosus” (or “maus”) is a variation (still drawn by the hair) of “hidden”, and it is not so obvious to understand for everyone, even the French, because that means that someone is from bad mood . Example: "Did you talk to Peter recently? "No, he's in moss, he doesn't want to see anyone. »

9. “It’s tiguidou! »

“Tiguidou” is simple, funny, and if you spend enough time with French Canadians, you’ll hear it all the time. There is no need for a dictionary to decrypt the adorable « tiguidou ». Here is an example to understand: "I'll be home for 20 hours, okay? « Tiguidou » . That’s okay. . This expression can be replaced by “The case is ketchup” or the situation is at best .

10. “I’m tanned”

In France, “Thunder” has only one meaning: turning a skin into leather. In Quebec, saying that you are "tanned" means that you have enough, You're tired of it. . Example: “I would never get to understand all these Quebec expressions” “You’re tanned, huh? Don’t worry, with a little practice, the case is ketchup! » "Ooooh"

Learn other Quebec expressions

Before travelling to Quebec, it may be interesting for you to assimilate some expressions and phrases that come back regularly. For this, I advise you to look at the list of small books of expression below:

Do you know other Quebec expressions to share?