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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 !"

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Moon 2008-10-26

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

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