Word Power: Tirer

Meaning ‘to pull’, the French verb tirer is a handy one to have up your sleeve. From piggybank to handkerchief, many fun words and expressions take tire as their logical (and literal) *racine. Commit them to memory, then pull them out whenever you want to impress your French friends with your vocab.

 
(Larigot refers to a small flute played – often endlessly – in the Middle Ages)

*stem

10 Popular Resolutions

It’s that time of year again, when we set the best intentions for the 12 months ahead. Whether you make them and break them or avoid them altogether, here are ten of the most common *bonnes résolutions across the globe.

*New year’s resolutions

Worth a Watch: From Rock Star to Killer

Love True Crime? The three-part documentary ‘From Rock Star to Killer’ is the perfect weekend binge watch. Now on Netflix, the series revisits a scandal from the early oughts that’s back in the news – the death of beloved actress Marie Trintignant at the hands of her musician lover, Bernard Cantat, in 2003.

The documentary shines an unflattering light on the victim-blaming nature of the media and public perception at the time – drawing attention to her ‘excesses’ and insinuating her personal choices led to the ‘crime of passion’ – and has prompted the recent reopening of the investigation into the 2010 death by suicide of his ex‑wife, Kristina Rády.

Watch De rockstar à tueur: le cas Cantat on Netflix now.

How to Learn French - Champagne?

Bonjour* !

Il y a longtemps*, here at Lingua Franca, we ran a workshop which examined the most beautiful words in French. The research we did for that was an unmitigated pleasure I’ll never forget.

What we found along the way is that while everyone has their own favourite French words, (papillon* sticks in my mind as a bit of a chart-topper), there are particular sounds that seem to have almost universal appeal.

The soft French sound ‘ch’ was high on the list. Many of you would have learned the French word for ‘cow’ (vache) early on in your learning and are likely confident as to its pronunciation, so take that as your anchor word if it appeals.

Somehow (to my ears at least) it feels superior to the English sound ‘sh’ as in shower. They’re very close as far as sounds go, but I’ve just done a very unscientific test as I’m writing this, and I think the French sound does indeed have a touch more panache*, if you’ll forgive me.

When we pronounce the French sound ‘ch’, our lips are more rounded and the jaw moves forward to fully facilitate the sound. Exaggerate your pronunciation of, say, chambre* or mouche* and you’ll see what I mean. Now just rein it in a little, but retain a slight pout, and you’ll be on your way.

The following mots* are an absolute pleasure to pronounce, so enjoy!

Next time, we’ll be focusing on the altogether more Germanic-, English- or even Persian-sounding (as it turns out) sound of tch. Tchao* !

Some of the most beautiful words in French contain the ‘ch’ sound. I’m sure you have your own.

champagne
échantillon
Chantilly
Chouchou
choufleur
chéri(e)
chaleureux
charme

The list goes on. And on…

*Hello | *A long time ago | *butterfly | *flair | *bedroom | *fly | *word | *Bye

Canuts de Lyon

If you’re browsing Airbnbs in Lyon, one word will often jump out at you: ‘canut’. A ‘canut’ apartment refers to converted former *ateliers that housed the city’s skilled silk workers (canuts) in the 19th century.

Famous for creating intricate patterned silk but working under terrible conditions with low pay, canuts spent long hours on Jacquard looms, which allowed complex designs to be woven with punch cards, but were heavy, noisy and physically demanding to use. The workshops, especially in the Croix-Rousse district, had high ceilings and large windows to allow workers to see the fine threads, and some even had mezzanines for extra space.

Now, those practical features are used to appeal to tourists with a taste for history – and comfort. Many historic workshops have been transformed into chic, light-filled apartments that preserve the original architecture, including exposed beams, tall windows and sometimes loft-style mezzanines – but with every amenity you could need for *un séjour stylé.

*workshops | *a stylish stay

SWOON: Pérouges

Thinking of joining us on our October trip to Lyon? This month’s SWOON subject makes the perfect side trip. Perched on a hilltop 30 minutes outside the gastronomic capital, Pérouges is a charming medieval town straight out of *un conte de fées — but it almost didn’t survive.

A popular film set, Pérouges is loved by locals and *les tourists for its well-preserved 15th-century ramparts, stone houses and cobblestone streets. And let’s not forget those delicious galettes de Pérouges (think a sweet, brioche-like flat pastry with sugar and a touch of *citron).

Once a thriving hub of linen weaving and trade, the town fell into disrepair with the Industrial Revolution. New roads and railways bypassed Pérougues, its population dwindled, and buildings were so neglected that razing was on the cards in 1909.

Thankfully, a group of passionate locals came to the rescue – buying and restoring the historic houses and protecting the village’s medieval character for us to enjoy for centuries to come.

*fairytale | *tourists | *lemon

How to Learn French - Lamb to the slaughter

Bonjour*!

One of our long-term Chouchous*, Deb, told me of a pronunciation adventure she had while travelling and it has never left me. Granted, she was in Italy at the time, but the lesson she learned that day holds true for le français* as well.

Deb was at a butcher’s and decided she like the look of a cut of lamb. Though her Italian was limited, she did know the word for lamb (agnello) and so, in a communication style known to many of you called the “point-and-utter-the-one-word-you-know” trick, she indicated toward the lamb and said “agnello”. The butcher’s was blindée* with locals jostling to place their orders. The woman behind the counter seemed to not understand Deb’s request, so determinedly, she repeated the word ‘agnello’ pronouncing the word as she’d seen it spelled, with a hard ‘g’ as in ‘golf’.

Still, the butcher wasn’t getting it, so Deb had another go. No luck. Again she tried, this time softer as she was becoming increasingly embarrassed at holding everyone up. Finally, it twigged, and the butcher, loudly and in front of everyone, said “Ah ! Sí ! Agnello ! ” pronouncing the ‘g’ softly, as in the start of the English word ‘nuisance’. Possibly a poor choice of example (sorry, Deb!), but I use it to illustrate that the ‘gn’ sound in Italian, as in French, is pronounced like ‘nye’. Think of how the word champagne is pronounced in French and you’ve got the idea.

Though the butcher could now go about completing the commercial transaction, she wasn’t finished with her linguistic one. “Agnello ! ”, she repeated to Deb, emphasising the soft ‘g’ sound. Deb nodded and smiled, but the Italian woman repeated it again and again, in front of the whole shop, before it dawned on Deb that she wasn’t going to stop until Deb gave it a go herself, which she dutifully did.

The butcher’s face lit up at her refined pronunciation and, as if Deb’s reward was for her to trot out her own broken English, said “Yes! Lamb!”, heartily pronouncing the ‘b’.

Some very useful words contain the ‘gn’ sound. Here is a selection to get you started.

agneau
champagne
champignon
gagner
mignon
Avignon
campagne

So, let’s add our new sound to the table pour voir ce que ça donne*.

Line by line, your French pronunciation is improving. Bravo!

*Hello | *Teacher’s pet | *French | *packed | *Well done

8 Useful Expressions for End-of-Year Parties

Struggle to make small talk at Christmas parties and end-of-year get-togethers? We’re here to help. Here are eight of the most useful French phrases to trot out over the coming weeks – including one classy way to make your escape if you’re cornered by un rabat-joie*.

Ça fait longtemps qu’on ne s’est pas vus!
It’s been a while!

Qu’est-ce que tu deviens?
What have you been up to?

Tu as des plans pour le réveillon?
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?

Tu connais beaucoup de monde ici?
Do you know many people here?

Je te ressers un peu?
Shall I top you up a bit?

Pas pour moi, je dois prendre le volant.
Not for me, I have to drive.

Je te laisse profiter de ta soirée!
I’ll let you enjoy your evening!

Merci pour l’invitation, c’était super.
Thanks for having me – it was great. 

*a party pooper/ killjoy

Recette: Sablés de Noël

A batch of freshly baked biscuits always makes the perfect hostess gift – and this recipe for classic French Christmas shortbread requires minimal effort for maximum reward.

Crumbly and oh-so-buttery, they’ll become your new festive season go-to.

*Bon appétit! Merci à Marmiton pour la recette.

*Enjoy! Thank you to Marmiton for the recipe.

10 Popular Christmas Gifts

With just over two weeks until Christmas, the clock is ticking to get those cadeaux de Noël* wrapped and under the tree. To boost your festive French vocab, here are the ten of the most common gifts given each year around the globe.

Original? Non* Appreciated? On verra*.

*Christmas gifts | *No | *We shall see

The French raise a glass – and millions – for Duralex

Like their Picardie tumblers – a staple of school canteens considered as iconic as Levi’s jeans and Swiss Army knives – French glassworks Duralex has a habit of bouncing back.

Last month, it did so in impressive style (for the fourth time) when a public appeal for emergency funding saw patriotic French design fans rally to help reach its fundraising target in under six hours.

This Guardian article on Duralex’s history, upgrade and plans for the future makes an interesting read.

Fun French Phrase: ‘Découvrir le pot aux roses’

If you’re a fan of *les ragots, this charming French phrase will come in handy. Literally translating as ‘to discover the pot of roses’, *découvrir le pot aux roses means to discover a secret.

Why the flowery reference? The expression is believed to stem from a 13th-century tradition, where lovers would stash gifts and letters in flowerpots on the windowsills of their intended.

*gossip

How to Learn French - mind your p's and q's.

Bonjour!

I thought I’d include the sound ‘qu’ in this very short post, as it’s a sound that can be overlooked at times, so bears clarifying.

Where in English we tend to make a ‘kw’ sound for this two letter combination (think ‘quiet’ and ‘equine’), for the French it is a very straightforward ‘k’ sound. Sometimes we hear beginners saying quand as though it’s spelled ‘kwand’, but this is an error that is usually rectified fairly quickly. What you might like to know, though, is that ‘qu’ as a ‘k’ sound in French is one you can count on.

Now for some examples. Remember, be confident in just making a ‘k’ sound. You won’t go wrong, except if you run across an English word the French have borrowed (eg le quiz where they tend to stick to the original pronunciation).

époque
que
inquiet
quartier
qu’est-ce que

What about quoi and pourquoi I am sure I can hear you exclaiming? Although these words make us feel as though we’re using an English ‘kw’ pronunciation, it’s actually the oi that is making a ‘wa’ sound. Tricky, non*?

*Hello | *era | *that | *worried | *suburb | *what | *no

Légumes d'automne

While we swelter through the arrival of spring, in France it’s time to tuck into comforting autumnal dishes like *les soupes et les gratins.

From root veggies to leafy greens, here’s what’s in season in the Northern hemisphere – *les légumes d'automne our French friends are enjoying.

*soups and gratins | *autumn vegetables

Everyday Parisian

Sharing her lifelong love affair with France since 2016, American Francophile Rebecca Plotnick is the woman – and skilled snapper – behind the popular Everyday Parisian blog and The Paris Diaries newsletter.

Worth a look for her photos alone, Rebecca’s content ranges from seasonal packing tips and neighbourhood guides to advice on the best restaurants in Paris for solo dining.

You can also read about Rebecca’s passion for Paris (and new book) in her interview for A Table in France. Or pick up one of her prints online.

Sneak Peek into 'le nid': Quel est ton fromage français préféré?

Creamy or hard, nutty or tangy, mild or *puant, French cheeses offer a world of indulgent texture and flavour.

Nevertheless, we asked our *profs to play favourites – naming their *fromage français préféré to deck your boards this entertaining season.

Sarah
I love Camembert on the barbecue — it’s so delicious when it melts and you can dip a baguette into it.

Justine
My favourite is Gorgonzola cheese, creamy and tangy.

Anaïs
I love Morbier: its creamy and mild. Great on its own, with bread or melted on potatoes (like raclette)

*stinky | *teachers | *favourite French cheese

English Enjoyed

If you need some light relief as you wrangle a second language, this Instagram account will help you get a firmer grip on your first. English Enjoyed is an utter delight, best savoured over tea and scones.

Affrèrement

We love it when we stumble across an unfamiliar French word, and this month we found a fascinating one: affrèrement. Sometimes translated as “brotherment”, un affrèrement refers to a legally binding same-sex (but not necessarily sexual) union of two men that existed in France in late medieval times.

According to this article in The Atlantic (available to subscribers):

“In the contract, the ‘brothers’ pledged to live together sharing ‘un pain, un vin, et une bourse,’ (that's French for one bread, one wine and one purse). The ‘one purse’ referred to the idea that all of the couple's goods became joint property.” 

Listening Bars

Imported from Japan, listening bars are the latest craze sweeping Paris. If you have a deep appreciation of *la musique and an aversion to shouting over the doof-doof thumping through many venues, these stylish audio-centric bars are for you.

You’ll find DJs spinning vinyl – from funk to disco and house, exceptional audio systems, and inventive food offerings.

Want to get in on the listening action over a craft cocktail? Here are some of the best listening bars to drop by on your next trip to Paris.

* music

Recette: Tartiflette

With roots in the snowy Alps in Savoie, Tartiflette is a rich, ultra-comforting dish made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, onions and lardons – cooked until until molten and golden.

While traditionally a cold-weather go-to, we think the French potato bake is irresistible all year round. Serve yours with a fresh *salade verte and crisp white wine on balmy nights. Delish!

*Bon appétit! Merci au Marmiton pour la recette.

* green salad | *Enjoy! Thank you to Marmiton for the recipe