Friday 31 May 2013

Kissing Frogs

I've remarked before (en passant) on the woeful inadequacy of the French language in the verb department. They've got some fine nouns, their adjectives are second to none - but when it comes to verbs, you all too often have to go round the houses just to describe the simplest action (appuyer sur le bouton, faire sonner le telephone, etc). Even so, I was startled to learn today that they don't even have a simple verb for what we Brits call 'French kissing'. You'd have thought they at least had that one covered - but no, only now has a verb finally made it over the threshold of the sacred temple that is the French language. It is - wait for it... 'galocher'. Which sounds more like a high-pressure mouthwash, or something a dentist might do to you. As I said, they're just no good at verbs, the French.

5 comments:

  1. Of course, in France, we have no word for "French kissing"...but we do have a word for "English kissing"!! Freddie, Chinon.

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  2. Joey Joe Joe Jr.1 June 2013 at 10:50

    "English kissing", Freddie? Is that when faced with the awkward prospect of kissing when greeting or meeting, one clumsily headbutts the other person instead?

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  3. Joey, my friend says that is a "Glasgow kiss", an "English kiss" is far less exciting...but your English irony is very funny! If you are an amusing, well mannered, sexually confident Englishman, please come to Chinon, we shall erect a statue of you!
    Nige, thank you for your intresting blog. I am learning both English and Irony! Freddie

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  4. Merci et bienvenu, Freddie! You seem to be learning fast...

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  5. Merci beaucoup Nige! You too must come to Chinon...freddie x

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