Thanks for this find, Bethany.

"Peter Peter"

Crotte de... and other French idioms

I started writing this post around Christmas as I read one of my son's French Christmas books to the class: Le Gentil Mechant Loup. Throughout the story, the wolf repeatedly says, "crotte de (fill in the blank with an animal)".  I would roughly equate this expression to "son of a gun" or something similar.  In French, "crotte de nez" is a booger.  "crotte de" an animal, on the other hand, is a pile of that animal's feces.  So, when Papa Wolf says, "crotte de lapin," he's talking about rabbit poop.

For more entertaining French idioms, check out this link:

"THE 20 WEIRDEST FRENCH EXPRESSIONS (AND HOW TO USE THEM)"

The Controversy of Foie Gras

Foie gras is a food tradition in France that periodically appears in the news.  While the French adore their nation's specialty, many people see the process of making foie gras as cruel.  Most recently, a bill has been introduced by a French congresswoman that would ban force-feeding practices.  Pamela Anderson lent her celebrity status to the cause by appearing in France to support the bill.

You can read about it here or you may choose to listen to the story instead:

"Pamela Anderson Lends Star Power To Fight Against Foie Gras In France"

More French Phrases Used in English

Here's another selection of French phrases that I'll be using for our Friday "Mot du jour/Phrase du jour" warm-up activity.  I love lists like these not because there are everyday, practical uses for these expressions, but because they (both the lists and the expressions!) exist as a part of the English language as a direct result of France's influence on us.

20 French Phrases You Should Be Using

A Vending Machine for Literature

This mini article from Mental_Floss is about a fun startup company that is placing vending machines around Grenoble to offer free literature to interested people waiting for trains and looking for something to do.

"French Vending Machines Dispense Short Stories Instead Of Snacks"

Why do we say "pardon my French"?

One of my students asked, "Why do we say 'pardon my French' when we curse?"  Luckily, Mental_Floss asked this same question and provides a succinct answer in this article:

"Why Do We Say 'Pardon My French' When We Curse?"

Miniature Movie Sets Museum

If you're a movie buff or plan to major in film, France holds many treasures.  One such treasure is the Musée Cinéma et Miniature in Lyon.  Inside you will find miniature sets used in films as well as other film props and artifacts.

Check out this photo gallery from Mental Floss:

"Inside a French Museum Filled With Miniature Movie Sets"

or visit the museum's own site in French or English.