Do you speak Champagne?
A Champagne dialect?
Although less pronounced than in other parts of France, due to its proximity to Paris. There are still a few expressions in Champagne and the Marne that may surprise you in the course of a conversation…
Here’s a small selection of local “patois” terms!
ON S’EMPIERGE > Stumble
ON S’ENTRUCHE > Crooked swallowing
Mopping > Mopping
ON EST PAS RENDU > Arrived
WE’RE NAREUX
> Easily disgusted
WE LOVE BAFFUTERIES
> Worthless items
ON NICASSE
> Silly laughter
WE HAVE A PUDDING
> Navel
ON HOCHETILLE
> Shake a little
Il mouzine
> It’s raining hard
ON GADOUILLE/ON GAUILLE
> Trampling in the mud
IT CLICKS
> Splash
CHILDREN CLIMB TO CABIDOS
> Straddling your back
It even seems
That a true Marnais pronounces the “t” at the end of “vingt”, or says “uuii” for yes…
An immersion in Champagne is essential to understand all the subtleties of this beautiful language and appreciate its sound….