Thanks for the clarification, Joan. I knew about the "hou" for disapproval (sometimes with whistling), but quite honestly no one in France has ever tried to scare the bejeezus out of me -- on purpose. Trop de nuance! Which brings me to the next train of thought -- we say "Peek-a-boo!" in English but I believe it's just "Cou-Cou" for the same baby's game in France. None of that "boo" stuff.
Apparently, the French exclamation (to surprise, not to show disapproval) is "Hou!".
ReplyDeleteThere, now we know.
"Hou" is what you hear French crowds howl during football matches and political speeches. It expresses disagreement and disapproval.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to scare somebody, you jump out of a dark corner and shout "Bouh" at them.
Thanks for the clarification, Joan. I knew about the "hou" for disapproval (sometimes with whistling), but quite honestly no one in France has ever tried to scare the bejeezus out of me -- on purpose. Trop de nuance!
ReplyDeleteWhich brings me to the next train of thought -- we say "Peek-a-boo!" in English but I believe it's just "Cou-Cou" for the same baby's game in France. None of that "boo" stuff.
I thought coucou was a term of endearment and greeting
ReplyDeleteSo many expressions...so little time...between bites of chocolate