In The Marriage of Figaro (1784) the French dramatist Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais observed ironically, "The English, in truth, do add here and there some other words when speaking; but it is obvious that 'God-damn' is the foundation of their language" (III v).
French, like any language also has all-purpose words that can be used in many situations. Click below to learn more about the variety of expression a single word can take.
That works fine when in Paris. But swear words are highly dependent upon the culture they build on. French-speakers on this side of the Atlantic don't have the same taboos and, although sex related words will be recognized, using the Word of God in vain will have much more impact. Click below to learn more about the variety of expression a single word can take when walking the streets of Montréal.
Click here for more information on Québec French profanity.
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A Québécois Pure Laine reaching out to Anglos and Allophones
About Me
- Michel Bolduc
- Montréal, Canada
- A middle class family man who tackled his second language with his will and his wits. "Studying in your second language is the amazing opportunity to take a step back, observe two cultures and realize why you appreciate them both."
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