🎵 Learn with music: Pascal Rollet “Expressions”, Quiz 5

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Learn French with this song from Professor Rollet! Pascal Rollet is a professor and musician who has been composing songs that focus on a particular linguistic structure that gets reinforced in meaningful lyrics, set to sophisticated yet catchy contemporary music and instrumentals. Find the full song here.

Expressions

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What does “au régime eau et pain” mean?

Au régime eau et pain means on a bread-and-water diet—a figurative or literal expression for being under very strict conditions, often as punishment or extreme simplicity.

Example: Il a été mis au régime eau et pain après sa bêtise (He was put on bread and water after his mistake)

– régime = diet or regimen
– eau et pain = water and bread, a symbol of bare survival

This phrase can be used literally (in prisons, historically) or figuratively to describe a situation of austerity, deprivation, or punishment.

In France, it’s used mostly in figurative speech or humor. In Quebec, it’s understood but less commonly used; other expressions like être privé de tout might be heard. In Francophone Africa, the phrase is known but can sound very literary or old-fashioned depending on the context.

What does “saouls” mean?

Saouls means drunk—it’s the masculine plural form of the adjective saoul (also spelled soûl), meaning intoxicated by alcohol.

Example: Ils étaient complètement saouls après la fête (They were completely drunk after the party)

– Singular: saoul / saoule
– Plural: saouls / saoules
– Informal equivalent: bourré (very common in speech)

In France, saoul is slightly more formal or neutral, while bourré is more slangy and vivid. In Quebec, saoul is widely used and often pronounced with a local accent. In Francophone Africa, saoul is common in written French, but in speech you might hear regional expressions or code-switching with local languages.

What does “à côté de la plaque” mean?

À côté de la plaque means off the mark, missing the point, or way off—used when someone misunderstands something or is out of touch with reality.

Example: Tu crois qu’il plaisante ? T’es complètement à côté de la plaque. (You think he’s joking? You’re totally off the mark.)

– Literal meaning: beside the plate
– Figurative: misunderstanding, misjudging, or responding inappropriately

In France, this is a very common and vivid expression, often used informally. In Quebec, it’s understood but être dans le champ (to be in the field) is more typical. In Francophone Africa, the phrase is known in formal French, though not always used in speech unless among fluent speakers.

What does “fâchée” mean?

Fâchée means angry, upset, or mad—the feminine singular form of the adjective fâché.

Example: Elle est fâchée contre lui (She’s mad at him)

– Often used with contre (against) to say who someone is upset with
– Can also mean no longer speaking to someone:
Elles sont fâchées depuis un an (They haven’t spoken in a year)

In France, fâché(e) is common in everyday conversation. In Quebec, it’s widely used too, sometimes alongside choqué(e). In Francophone Africa, fâché(e) is standard in spoken and written French, especially among younger and urban speakers.

What does “donne une claque” mean?

Donne une claque means gives a slap or slaps someone—from the verb donner une claque à quelqu’un.

Example: Elle lui donne une claque en pleine figure (She gives him a slap across the face)

– une claque = a slap, usually with the hand
– donner une claque = to strike someone, either literally or metaphorically (e.g. a surprise)

Figurative use:
– Cette nouvelle m’a donné une claque
(That news hit me hard) → emotional or shocking impact

In France, claque is used both literally and figuratively. In Quebec, it’s understood, but gifle is more formal for a slap. In Francophone Africa, claque is commonly used, though context will determine whether it’s taken literally or metaphorically.

What does “ravi” mean?

Ravi means delighted or thrilled—the masculine singular form of the adjective ravi(e), expressing great joy or satisfaction.

Example: Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer (I’m delighted to meet you)

– Feminine: ravie
– Can be followed by de + verb or noun:
Elle est ravie de son cadeau (She’s thrilled with her gift)
Ils sont ravis d’être là (They’re happy to be here)

In France, ravi is polite and commonly used in both speech and writing. In Quebec, it’s used similarly, though expressions like content or bien heureux might also appear. In Francophone Africa, ravi is frequent in formal or public French, especially in interviews or official events.

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