Top 5 Funniest French Expressions and What They Mean

Jan 23 min read

These Expressions That Will Make You Sound Like a Native French Speaker!

When learning a new language, idiomatic expressions can often be confusing… but also very entertaining! In French, some expressions sound like they’ve come straight out of a comedy movie or a completely improbable situation. If you want to surprise your French-speaking friends or simply enrich your vocabulary with expressions that make people smile, this article is for you.

Here are 5 of the funniest French expressions, along with their meanings, that you’ll soon be able to use like a native!

1. "Avoir un poil dans la main"

Let’s start with an expression you’ll often hear to describe someone who… isn’t very active! "Avoir un poil dans la main" means being lazy, unwilling to work. The imagery is amusing: it conjures up the idea of someone so idle that a hair literally grows in their hand, a sign that they’re doing absolutely nothing all day.

Example:"Marc n’a toujours pas fini ce projet ? Il doit avoir un poil dans la main !"

2. "Raconter des salades"

No, it doesn’t mean someone is talking about cooking! "Raconter des salades" means telling lies or exaggerating. It’s a lighthearted and humorous way to say that someone isn’t telling the truth, often in an exaggerated or far-fetched manner, as if they were mixing all kinds of improbable ingredients. In short, it means to lie!

Example:"Je ne crois pas une seconde son histoire, il raconte encore des salades."

3. "Poser un lapin"

If you hear this expression, don’t expect to see an animal! "Poser un lapin" actually means to not show up for an appointment or date without notifying the other person. The imagery is funny, as it suggests the person is left waiting for a rabbit instead, as if the no-show vanished without a trace. It’s an embarrassing situation, but often shared with a touch of humor!

Example:"Hier, j’ai attendu une heure au café, mais il m’a posé un lapin."

4. "Tomber dans les pommes"

Rest assured, no one actually fell into an orchard! "Tomber dans les pommes" actually means to faint. The origin of this expression is unclear, but it’s often used to describe someone who suddenly loses consciousness.

Example:"Quand il a entendu la nouvelle, il est tombé dans les pommes."

5. "Donner sa langue au chat"

This expression doesn’t mean you’re feeding your tongue to a cat! "Donner sa langue au chat" means to give up on a riddle or a difficult question. In the past, the expression was "Donner sa langue au chien" (to give your tongue to the dog), but since cats are more mysterious and enigmatic, they replaced dogs in this popular saying.

Example:"Je ne sais pas du tout la réponse à cette question. Je donne ma langue au chat !"

Why Use Idiomatic Expressions in Your French Learning?

Idiomatic expressions are an excellent way to speak like a native. They add a touch of humor, culture, and liveliness to your French conversations. By using expressions like these, you’ll not only demonstrate a strong command of the language but also show that you understand the cultural nuances that come with it. Don’t hesitate to try them out in your next discussions!

So, which expression made you smile the most? Have you ever heard or used any of them in a conversation?

Mini Quiz : Testez vos connaissances sur ces expressions françaises ! 🎓

Que signifie l'expression "Avoir un poil dans la main" ?
- a) Être très actif
- b) Avoir un talent caché
- c) Être paresseux
Quand quelqu'un "raconte des salades", que fait-il ?
- a) Il parle de cuisine
- b) Il dit la vérité
- c) Il ment ou exagère
Si une personne vous "pose un lapin", qu'a-t-elle fait ?
- a) Elle vous a offert un animal
- b) Elle n'est pas venue à un rendez-vous
- c) Elle a préparé un gâteau
Que veut dire "Tomber dans les pommes" ?
- a) Être fatigué
- b) S'évanouir
- c) Glisser sur des pommes
Si vous "donnez votre langue au chat", que faites-vous ?
- a) Vous laissez tomber et admettez que vous ne savez pas
- b) Vous parlez à votre chat
- c) Vous posez une question difficile