Ever been to Lozère? You’re bound to know most of these expressions, or have heard them before! For the rest of you, here’s a taste of what’s in store…
The cardabelle is a plant that grows on the limestone soils of the Causse, of which it is the symbol. Nailed to doors, it serves as a barometer and good luck charm.The cardabelle is a plant that grows on the limestone soils of the Causse, of which it is the symbol. Nailed to doors, it serves as a barometer and good luck charm.
Local expressions
Useful expressions and words for your stayAllaboutexpressions
From Lozère
Herd of sheep on the Causses with dogsHerd of sheep on the Causses with dogs|
THE MUST-HAVE!
One of the most frequently used words here is“miladiou“!
(We won’t translate it for you, but let you guess…).
Little hint: It expresses discontent
Frequently used words
Macarel: Used to express surprise or annoyance.
Les bartas: The bushes
Un plastras: A well-filled dish or plate.
Boudiou! Good heavens!
Benleu: Perhaps…
Peuchère / Pecaïre: “My poor” or “my poor” in a sincere or ironic way
Estoufadou / Estoufadis: When a cake is very dry or tight, we say it’s an estoufadou, in other words, it’s a Christian étouffe.
Un bringuaïre: A party animal.
Le pitchou ou la pitchoune: The little one.
Assuqué / ensuqué: Stunned, put to sleep… by the sun, for example, or after a meal.
Saïque!: All the same!
Useful verbs to know
Rouméguer: To grumble
Festejer: To celebrate
Saquer: Support
Espanter: Surprise strongly
Empéguer: To take, to be taken
Bouléguer: Refers to the action of shuffling the balls in a lotto game (lotto is a popular pastime in the South, rather like bingo in England). It has become a synonym for “to move, to stir up”.
Escaner: To choke
Chourrer: To steal or to be dreamy, pensive, sad.
Old gate of the Village le MassegrosOld gate of the Village le Massegros
A cazelle, a small heritage site on the Causse MéjeanA cazelle, a small heritage site on the Causse Méjean|
Don’t hesitate to let us know of any expressions or words that struck you during your stay in Lozère, and we’ll be delighted to add to the list! To send us your suggestions, click here!
100% local expressions
Il te fait un cagnard, ça cogne: It’s hot …
Faire la bringue: To party
Ça pègue: It sticks
T’es un fada: You’re crazy!
Quel feignasse: What a slacker…
Aqui oui: Yes, there!
Arrête de m’emboucaner: Arrête de me prendre la tête
Qu’es acó? What is it?
A bisto de nas: A vue de nez, d’oeil
Que fas ou kefas? What are you doing, what do you want to do?
It’s mostly spoken fluently by the elders, but young people also use a few expressions.
