Travelling with French people is interesting. Firstly there’s the cute accent, then the scope for miscommunication.
As an example of miscommunication, we were planning our meals when we decided we needed some cheese. Then I heard in French English that we could use the epicure cheese. I thought that was a rather sarcastic way of referring to the dairy wonder that requires no refrigeration. That fake processed cheese. As it turned out my hearing failed me … it wasn’t “epicure” but “epi cou” or rather … refer to the picture. Happy Cow cheese. Or in French English, Appy Cou or Epi Cou.
I thought they said Epicure Cheese. But it was Epi Cou, Appy Cou … ie. Happy Cow Cheese.
And then there is the non-verbal communication. There’s the farting “ppppt” (fart) sound and the “pffft” (blowing) sound which is sprinkled quite liberally into conversations. I now know which is which and the correct usage in different contexts!!!
But the one that’s quite handy is the “my foot” or “pull the other one” or “bollocks” gesture for when somebody tells you something you do not believe. Pulling down the lower eyelid.
Gesture for “my foot” or “pull the other one” or “bollocks”.
I love my French friends. We have a great time together but it isn’t without challenges. They don’t beat around the bush at times and are very direct. They sometimes don’t pad their less pleasant messages with niceties. And when they get angry, they just write it off to the Latin temper.
One of our usual simple dinners.