remue-méninges
The English phrase 'brainstorm' (noun) is translated into French as remue-méninges.
The term remue-méninges is used to describe the activity of brainstorming. To express the action of brainstorming, you will typically use the expression faire un remue-méninges.
Meaning: brainstorming (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This compound noun is a combination of remue, derived from the verb remuer (to stir or move) and méninges, which refers to the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain). Literally, it translates to 'brain-stirring' or 'brain-shaking'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While remue-méninges is a valid French term, the English loanword brainstorming is very commonly used in professional or corporate settings in France.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is typically used in the singular form to refer to the activity itself, such as un remue-méninges.
Did you know?
- While remue-méninges is used for a group, a person thinking hard alone would say they are se creuser la cervelle, which means 'to dig one's brain'.
- In Quebec, remue-méninges is the standard term, while professionals in France are much more likely to use the English loanword 'brainstorming'.
- The verb remuer in remue-méninges is the same word used for stirring soup or shuffling a deck of cards.
Examples in context
- Dans le cadre de notre projet, nous organisons une réunion de réflexion pour discuter de nouvelles idées.As part of our project, we are organizing a brainstorming meeting to discuss new ideas.
- Nous avons planifié une séance de remue-méninges afin de trouver des solutions innovantes.We have scheduled a brainstorming session to find innovative solutions.
- On devrait se faire une séance de brainstorming pour trouver des idées géniales !We should have a brainstorming session to come up with some great ideas!
- J'adore la fougue des idées lorsqu'on se met à brainstormer ensemble.I love the enthusiasm of ideas when we start brainstorming together.
- On doit faire un remue-méninges pour ce projet.We need to do a brainstorm for this project.
- Ce remue-méninges a produit de bonnes idées.This brainstorming session produced good ideas.
- Un remue-méninges est prévu pour demain matin.A brainstorm is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are planning a party.
- ChloéOn devrait faire un remue-méninges pour le thème.We should do some brainstorming for the theme.
- HugoC'est une bonne idée, Hugo est d'accord.That's a good idea, Hugo agrees.
- ChloéPrenons une feuille et écrivons tout.Let's take a piece of paper and write everything down.
- HugoParfait, commençons le remue-méninges maintenant !Perfect, let's start the brainstorming now!
