Word Power: Papillon

Many of our students tell us they love the French word for butterfly, papillon*. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to use it, too, as ce joli mot* has a surprising number of applications.

As in English, the French refer to la brasse papillon* ­– a complicated (and impressive) stroke in swimming. And you might just find yourself in need of un écrou papillon,* or butterfly nut, if you’re putting together some flat-pack furniture.

Want a few more examples to have up ta manche*? Memorise the little list below, and you’ll be sure to send your French friends into a flutter with your vocab.

*butterfly | *the pretty word| *butterfly stroke |*butterfly nut |*your sleeve