Get thee to a nunnery
Several years ago, during a French evening class, the lecturer asked us what we had done at the weekend. I wanted to say that I had been to church on the Sunday because I was religious, but ended up using the word religieuse. I got a very questioning look from my lecturer. I should have used the word croyante. I'd mistakenly told the class that I was a nun!
Sent by: Ailsa
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When I was in college, my friends asked me why I didn't go drinking with them. The closest I could come to was parce que je suis religieuse. After my friends quit laughing, they explained I had just told them I was a nun. Later, I also found out it is also the word for a small 2-part cream puff covered in dark chocolate frosting.
The French seem to like the religious connection with their pastries; there is also a very sugary one called un sacristain, another word for a church sexton.
The connection is probably due to the fact that monasteries have always been famous for "divine" pastries and good food - other pleasures being denied.
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