³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

Bit of a bad start

Many years ago, fresh from the US, I met my new French mother-in-law for the first time. She invited me and my husband, her son, to lunch. To top off an exquisite meal, she served an outstanding apple pie. Meaning to compliment her, I told her she was la reine des tartes ... which, I quickly found out, in French loosely translates as the queen of the idiots ... to put it mildly! Fortunately, she did have a sense of humor!

Sent by: Lisa

Comments

Scarlet, Belfast 2009-10-16

Yes in French une tarte is also an insult, just like in English (a tart).
Une vache (a cow) is also not a compliment, it is someone who is quite unfair, strict, unpleasant. A bit like in English, but rather than say "she's a real cow" French people would use it like so: "Quelle vache !"

Flag this comment

Moon 2008-10-26

Lol, better be careful next time. You are lucky that's she has sense of humor.

Flag this comment

Share this page

Open/close

Related Links

On bbc.co.uk/languages

12-weeks email tips

Quick fix phrases 36 languages

Teachers and tutors

On bbc.co.uk

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Schools

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Learning

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service Learning English

Elsewhere

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ is not responsible for the content of external sites

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iD

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ navigation

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ © 2014 The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.