Be not inhospitable to strangers lest they be angels in disguise. You can't help but want to snap a picture of the sign when ambling through Shakepeare and Company in Paris. But did you know it's forbidden to take pictures inside the famous bookstore? Then again, the French are not known to behave in public. Case in point: France's president–who was spotted in the wee hours of the night, outside his alleged mistress's nest. His getaway vehicle? A scooter!
They French are having a heyday with the scandal–known as the l'affaire Closer (after the name of the magazine that published the compromising pictures). They might have fun with today's photo, too–pointing out that their president took the words of wisdom to heart!
Could President Hollande's alleged mistress be an angel compared to his current missis, Valérie Trierweiler–famously known as "The Rottweiller." And is France's first lady (a girlfriend of the President's) still Première Dame de France? Inquiring minds want to know! Les esprits curieux veulent savoir!
une braguette (brag-et)
: zipper, fly
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Audio File and Example Sentence
Listen to Jean-Marc read the following sentence: Click for MP3 or Wav file
Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire "politique de la braguette"?
What does "zipper politics" mean?
Improve your French pronunciation with these Exercises in French Phonetics
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
By now you may have heard about the French president's mistress. I meant to talk about this in the previous post, but Conscience waved her finger once again:
"What's the point in spreading rumors–à quoi bon faire courir le bruit? You'd do well to mind your own beeswax! Mieux vaut t'occuper de tes oignons!"
Dear Reader, as you are my witness, I did certainly mind my own business, or "take care of my onions"–and my snap peas and my parsley and my fava beans! I sowed hundreds of seeds this week. Anything but give into the temptation to gossip!
But not to acknowledge the country's current scandal would be to act as though one lived in Lala Land and not France (never mind the two are synonymous).
And so here's a brief run-down via the highlighted vocab words below (after all this is a language journal and not a tabloid!).
La Casque – "The Helmet"
It all began when the president was spotted wearing his casque, or helmet, in the middle of the night. Shouldn't he be wearing a nightcap instead? This was the million-dollar question. And as he hopped onto his scooter and sped away from his alleged lover's borrowed apartment (only 500 meters from his presidental pad!) he was caught by a paparazzo. (Side note: The same paparazzo that snapped a photo of Mitterand's illegitimate daughter)
Jean-Marc snapped this photo of the newsstand and la dernière nouvelle!
La Belle Nana – "The Hot Chick" or "The Doll" or "The Babe"
Holland's purported love interest, 41-year-old Julie Gayet, is younger than his girlfriend by 6 or 7 years. She is also a relatively unknown actress who has dozens of films to her credit, including "Shall We Kiss?", "Les Gens Qui S'Aiment" (People Who love each other) and "Chaos and Desire"…
Photo credit Mireille Ampilhac
While Julie hid out all week the plot thickened… a report surfaced that she was recently awarded a seat at the prestigious Villa Medicis jury! The website "Express" writes:
Francois Hollande's alleged mistress has been awarded one of the most prestigious jobs in French public life, amid unconfirmed claims that she is four months pregnant.
Enceinte? – "Pregnant?"
Those tabloids sure know how to sensational things! Who knows if the alleged mistress is enceinte but it sure begs the question: If it's true will Julie be the next Première Dame? Can there be two First Ladies? Can girlfriends be First Ladies? Will he marry her? Which her? Can you boot a First Lady out against her will? The honorable role is currently under questioning–what with France's unmarried or "celibataire" president.
(Side note: former president Nicolas Sarkozy must be having a good chuckle after taking the heat of marrying a Top Model when he split from First Lady, Cécilia Attias–who made headline news in France this morning:
"Cécilia Attias réclame un vrai statut de "première dame" (I'm having a hard time translating this one, but one thing's sure: all these women are demanding something!) (And if there is one thing President Hollande has never demanded any woman that is marriage (see two sections down….)
Photo by "Jackolan1"
Le Toubib – Doctor
When Valérie Trierweiler found out her boyfriend, the president, was potentially involved with the actress, JuJu, she went straight to le toubib. More than seeing a doctor, she checked herself into the hospital. While some French find it no more than a dramatic ploy, I think it does a lot to deflate the "grand legend" that the French are emotional toughies when it comes to la trahison, infidelity. No they're not! They break down just like anybody else!
Se Moquer de – To Poke Fun at"
The French are having a lot of fun with the Françoise-Julie-Valérie-and Ségolène imbrolio (Ségolène is the politician who ran for president before him–and mother of his 4 children whom he replaced with Valérie, pictured above). Someone even made a video game called "Aidez François à rejoindre Julie!" (Help François get to Julie!). In the video game, you see François riding his scooter towards Julie's apartment–when two hurdles appear (Valérie and Ségolène, dressed in jogging attire).
Here's a peek at that (you may need to click over to French-Word-A-Day.com to see it. It will definitely give you a chuckle after reading up on the current scandal!
J'me casse maintenant! – Gotta go now!
So much for gossip mongering. I feel better (much less guilty) when I'm minding my onions, that is, minding my own business! Off now to toss out some more seeds. It's raining here in the South of France–perfect for "setting" future sunflowers–and tomatoes and green beans, too! And far far away from the glamorous and complicated capital!
Comments
To respond to today's story, click here. Have anything to add to the news? Were you aware of it? Should the president's private life be fodder for newspapers (and blogs?) Does a politician's love life affect his work? Comments welcome here.
Two places to stay in the South of France:
“La Trouvaille”–a true find in Provence! Affordable vacation rental in this beautiful old stone house in the charming village of Sablet.
New rental in Provence! La Baume des Pelerins, in Sablet–spacious, comfortable the perfect place to return to after a busy day’s sightseeing, bicycling or hiking.
"A nice way to start your day with a short read and a new word."
Thank you very much, Delilah, for your helpful book review of Blossoming in Provence!:
Great way to learn French …almost as good as taking a trip to the south of France. The writing is wonderful a nice way to start your day with a short read and a new word.
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My friend CJ reposted a clever diddy on Facebook. But I think the picture it's on is copyrighted so I'm reproducing the saying here (on a picture I took of a cheese shop in Salernes). Enjoy, and thanks for sharing this post with a friend!
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Loved the video!
Loved the video!
I saw a headline here reading “An American Scandal in France.”
I saw a headline here reading “An American Scandal in France.”
Our dear Kristi,
Once again you have made our day!
How wonderful to get caught up in such silliness rather than war,pain,and castrophes!
THANK YOU!!
Love. NTalia. xo
Our dear Kristi,
Once again you have made our day!
How wonderful to get caught up in such silliness rather than war,pain,and castrophes!
THANK YOU!!
Love. NTalia. xo
A commenter wrote: “Maybe power really is seductive.” Yup, the hormonal aura of the alpha male attracts the females of his pride. Or pack. Or herd. Or troop. Or society. Another reader noted that it’s been going on since biblical times. And we have records in the mythology of the Egyptians. And the Norse. And the Greeks. It takes a very strong-willed male to resist the females clamoring for his DNA so their off-spring will persist (and not that other bi**h’s)!
A commenter wrote: “Maybe power really is seductive.” Yup, the hormonal aura of the alpha male attracts the females of his pride. Or pack. Or herd. Or troop. Or society. Another reader noted that it’s been going on since biblical times. And we have records in the mythology of the Egyptians. And the Norse. And the Greeks. It takes a very strong-willed male to resist the females clamoring for his DNA so their off-spring will persist (and not that other bi**h’s)!
I think what is most surprising here is that this is considered a scandal in France. Throughout history, French royalty was known for their dalliances and their mistresses—it was just accepted as normal. It seems that mindset hasn’t really changed much, only the titles of those involved have changed. So I’m not really sure why everyone is shocked. I also agree with Faye, in that it’s not about his ability to do his job, it’s about his character. A man who would cheat on his spouse or girlfriend shows that he lacks certain character traits that I believe are important in a leader, such as integrity, loyalty, self control, and trustworthiness! Public officials, in a sense, give up their right to live as ordinary citizens. “Noblesse oblige”!
I think what is most surprising here is that this is considered a scandal in France. Throughout history, French royalty was known for their dalliances and their mistresses—it was just accepted as normal. It seems that mindset hasn’t really changed much, only the titles of those involved have changed. So I’m not really sure why everyone is shocked. I also agree with Faye, in that it’s not about his ability to do his job, it’s about his character. A man who would cheat on his spouse or girlfriend shows that he lacks certain character traits that I believe are important in a leader, such as integrity, loyalty, self control, and trustworthiness! Public officials, in a sense, give up their right to live as ordinary citizens. “Noblesse oblige”!
I found it fascinating that this was the topic of conversation between a woman and her husband who were standing in line behind me at the grocery store yesterday. The woman was giving her spouse the full on SCOOP with all the players and the ins and outs. His response was one word “French…”. Not sure if that was by way of explanation or meant to convey that he understood/ or didn’t? In any event, I thought it might be ecouraging to see Americans take as much interest in the politics or the culture of our European bretheren as they do in les scandales!
xoNancy
I found it fascinating that this was the topic of conversation between a woman and her husband who were standing in line behind me at the grocery store yesterday. The woman was giving her spouse the full on SCOOP with all the players and the ins and outs. His response was one word “French…”. Not sure if that was by way of explanation or meant to convey that he understood/ or didn’t? In any event, I thought it might be ecouraging to see Americans take as much interest in the politics or the culture of our European bretheren as they do in les scandales!
xoNancy
I can not imagine our president riding around on a scooter. He is so afraid it’s an armored car and a dozen body guards and none of them as cute as the mistress LOL.
I can not imagine our president riding around on a scooter. He is so afraid it’s an armored car and a dozen body guards and none of them as cute as the mistress LOL.
I have read several reports of this story, but yours truly made my day and I got a pretty good score in the scooter jumping video. The man is not married – so what? He wisely thought of his “safety” and wore a helmet while riding the scooter. You can’t ask for more than that.
I have read several reports of this story, but yours truly made my day and I got a pretty good score in the scooter jumping video. The man is not married – so what? He wisely thought of his “safety” and wore a helmet while riding the scooter. You can’t ask for more than that.
Question ,who might he take to diplomatic meetings vis a vis with Obama ??!
Question ,who might he take to diplomatic meetings vis a vis with Obama ??!
Who indeed – he would be safer with his mother on his arm. i am laughing but these women are being treated badly. Although, he is not married, so not breaking any “vows”. They are all consenting adults so I will mind my onions. But i really did enjoy this escape into the lives of “famous” people. Even for just a few minutes. And I NEVER read a tabloid. Now to go back and watch the video. Thanks for the entertaining story.
Who indeed – he would be safer with his mother on his arm. i am laughing but these women are being treated badly. Although, he is not married, so not breaking any “vows”. They are all consenting adults so I will mind my onions. But i really did enjoy this escape into the lives of “famous” people. Even for just a few minutes. And I NEVER read a tabloid. Now to go back and watch the video. Thanks for the entertaining story.
Too funny. Thanks for the laugh.
Too funny. Thanks for the laugh.
Ha! Love the title of this post. BTW, I didn’t know photos were forbidden at Shakespeare & Co. – I took many photos there, including the “angel” quote. Whoops!
Ha! Love the title of this post. BTW, I didn’t know photos were forbidden at Shakespeare & Co. – I took many photos there, including the “angel” quote. Whoops!
Great post, Kristin! Does anyone else, like me, look at the photos of the unpreposessing M. Hollande and think ‘huh??’. I guess what Henry Kissinger said is proven true here: ‘Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac’!
Great post, Kristin! Does anyone else, like me, look at the photos of the unpreposessing M. Hollande and think ‘huh??’. I guess what Henry Kissinger said is proven true here: ‘Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac’!
Kristin, your post is hilarious. I forward it to my anglo-saxons friends to inform them about the “affair”. Et pourtant notre François est loin d’être un don Juan. They say now every male, even ugly, get luck with nice women, this is a proof…At least it’s a change after the ” Dieudonné” event.
Kristin, your post is hilarious. I forward it to my anglo-saxons friends to inform them about the “affair”. Et pourtant notre François est loin d’être un don Juan. They say now every male, even ugly, get luck with nice women, this is a proof…At least it’s a change after the ” Dieudonné” event.
Kristin
Très. très amusant. La politique de la braguette, mais
pas nouveau parmi les politicians et
les hommes d’affairs riche.
Marti
Floride, US
Kristin
Très. très amusant. La politique de la braguette, mais
pas nouveau parmi les politicians et
les hommes d’affairs riche.
Marti
Floride, US
Loved your take on French politics!!! MDR! And I love the “mind your onions” ‘–Mieux vaut t’occuper de tes oignons! — phrase, I didn’t know that one. Enjoy le weekend! Jen
Loved your take on French politics!!! MDR! And I love the “mind your onions” ‘–Mieux vaut t’occuper de tes oignons! — phrase, I didn’t know that one. Enjoy le weekend! Jen
I had not realized the video was a game, though it says so right on the top! More fun going through it a second time, turn him upside down, get a few hundred points.
I read your view of Hollande’s situation, then heard it on BBC news followed by NPR in the US. Both noticed how many papers are sold with this exposé — lots and lots!
I had not realized the video was a game, though it says so right on the top! More fun going through it a second time, turn him upside down, get a few hundred points.
I read your view of Hollande’s situation, then heard it on BBC news followed by NPR in the US. Both noticed how many papers are sold with this exposé — lots and lots!
You mention journalists having a heyday, but the correct expression is “field day”
You were confusing heyday with field Day
You mention journalists having a heyday, but the correct expression is “field day”
You were confusing heyday with field Day
Voici un nouveau mot pour moi en anglais et aussi en français:
solecism (derived from the Greek, soloikos, speaking incorrectly,
from the corruption of the Attic dialect among the Athenian colonists of Soloi in Cilicia)=1)An ungrammatical combination of words in a sentence; loosely, any minor blunder of speech; 2) a breach of etiquette or decorum
le solécisme=le manque de savoir-vivre, la faute de goût
C’est très intéressant, n’est-ce pas? Joanne, Carmel, CA, USA
Voici un nouveau mot pour moi en anglais et aussi en français:
solecism (derived from the Greek, soloikos, speaking incorrectly,
from the corruption of the Attic dialect among the Athenian colonists of Soloi in Cilicia)=1)An ungrammatical combination of words in a sentence; loosely, any minor blunder of speech; 2) a breach of etiquette or decorum
le solécisme=le manque de savoir-vivre, la faute de goût
C’est très intéressant, n’est-ce pas? Joanne, Carmel, CA, USA
I didn’t correct “hayday” because I didn’t want to be petty.
However, it started out as ‘heyda,’ an exclamation of surprise, from ‘hey,’ and now means ‘stage of greatest vigour.’
‘Field day’ was originally a military exercise, figuratively coming to mean a sort of parade. It does not necessarily connote detriment to others at all.
I didn’t correct “hayday” because I didn’t want to be petty.
However, it started out as ‘heyda,’ an exclamation of surprise, from ‘hey,’ and now means ‘stage of greatest vigour.’
‘Field day’ was originally a military exercise, figuratively coming to mean a sort of parade. It does not necessarily connote detriment to others at all.
I don’t know anything about Valerie “Rottweiler” but her eyes show a level of emotional availability that belies her nickname. She is too vulnerable for public life and it’s probably why people pick on her. Luckily, she hasn’t married Hollande. And not surprising that she checked herself in.
I don’t know anything about Valerie “Rottweiler” but her eyes show a level of emotional availability that belies her nickname. She is too vulnerable for public life and it’s probably why people pick on her. Luckily, she hasn’t married Hollande. And not surprising that she checked herself in.
Hi Kristi!
So busy I’ve been with tax forms and year-end demands (oh, and a heavenly escape to the coast) that I have not found the time to drop by FWAD. So glad I took a few minutes to see what I’ve missed. Ah, you’ve been missed. Thanks for the giggles and lightening my spirit!
I have a fantasy of owning a bookshop like Shakespeare and Company when I retire. It must contain or be in close proximity to an exquisite bakery. Dreamy?
I loved Faye’s comment “It’s best to tend to one’s own garden”.
TTFN ~ be back soon!
Hi Kristi!
So busy I’ve been with tax forms and year-end demands (oh, and a heavenly escape to the coast) that I have not found the time to drop by FWAD. So glad I took a few minutes to see what I’ve missed. Ah, you’ve been missed. Thanks for the giggles and lightening my spirit!
I have a fantasy of owning a bookshop like Shakespeare and Company when I retire. It must contain or be in close proximity to an exquisite bakery. Dreamy?
I loved Faye’s comment “It’s best to tend to one’s own garden”.
TTFN ~ be back soon!