crottes de nez
The English phrase "boogers" is translated into French as crottes de nez.
The phrase refers to dried nasal mucus.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of crottes (droppings or small pieces of excrement) and de nez (of nose).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term is informal and can be considered slightly vulgar or impolite in many social contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a noun phrase that can be used in the singular form une crotte de nez to refer to a single booger.
Did you know?
- While crottes de nez is the common term, children often use the more playful word morve to describe nasal mucus, which can also mean 'snot'.
- The phrase crottes de nez is often used in French parenting contexts to scold children with the command ne te cure pas le nez, which means 'do not pick your nose'.
- The word crotte is used in various French idioms to describe something small or insignificant, regardless of whether it relates to the nose.
Examples in context
- Il a des crottes de nez sur la joue.He has boogers on his cheek.
- L'enfant a trouvé des crottes de nez.The child found some boogers.
- Ne touche pas tes crottes de nez !Don't touch your boogers!
Example conversation
A mother talking to her young son.
- NathanNathan, nettoie ton nez, s'il te plaît.Nathan, clean your nose, please.
- LéaJe n'ai rien dans le nez.I don't have anything in my nose.
- NathanSi, je vois des crottes de nez !Yes, I see boogers!
- LéaD'accord, je vais le faire.Okay, I will do it.
