Speak like a real Provençal: the expressions you need to know for total immersion!

Ah, Provence! Land of sun, lavender and singing languages where Provençal, interspersed with its expressions, draws a rich and lively culture. Today, Isle sur la Sorgue Tourism immerses you in this unique linguistic universe through some of its most popular expressions.

A well-established culture

Although the Provençal language is no longer spoken on a daily basis, expressions have passed through the generations that today's young people still appropriate with a sense of belonging and pride. Indeed, Provençal expressions are much more than words: they reflect an identity, a history and an environment that the people of Provence are committed to bringing to life.

Key phrases to know during your stay in Provence

• Faire le Gobi: Wait impatiently, with your mouth open.
• Fan de Chichourle / Peuchère: Expressions of surprise or compassion.
• Boulègue or Bouroule un peu : Typically heard during lottos, it means “move a little”.
• Ca pègue : Refers to when something is sticky; very useful in a variety of situations.
• Faire le cacou: Play it, often used to refer to a man giving himself an air.
• Y’a dégun ou craint dégun: Indicate that there is no one or that you are afraid of anyone.
• C’est cafi de monde : Indicates that there are a lot of people.
• Il maronne : Someone who is sulking or in a bad mood.
• Mon Bèu : An affectionate term to address a friend, meaning “my handsome one.”
• Faï pas cau: Ironically used to say “it's not hot”, especially when it's very hot.
• Châler quelqu'un sur le vélo : Carry someone behind their bike.
• Etre mouligas: Someone who is limp, tired, sluggish.

The 'non-exhaustive' lexicon

• Fada: Affectionately refers to someone who is a bit crazy.
• Emboucaner: Literally, to 'take your head', to annoy deeply.
• Esquicher: To crush something or to feel tight.
• Peuchère: An affectionate variant of 'poor', expressing compassion.
• Empégué: to be drunk
• Negue: To drown or to drink the cup.
• Espincher: Spy or watch carefully.
• Enquiquiner: To annoy or annoy someone.
• Estoufadou: A very dry cake.
  

Challenge!

Let's have a bit of fun! Film yourself using one of these expressions on social networks with #islesurlasorguetourisme.