barbe à papa
/baʁ.b‿a pa.pa/
The English phrase "candy floss" is translated into French as barbe à papa.
barbe à papa refers to a spun sugar sweet with a fluffy texture, often sold at fairs.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "papa's beard", referring to the fluffy, hair-like texture of the spun sugar.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /baʁ.b‿a pa.pa/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, the word barbe refers not just to a chin beard but to any hair-like projection, such as the bristles on a fish or a bird's wattle.
- The word barbe is a distant relative of the English word 'barb', as both describe a sharp or hair-like projection.
- The term papa in the phrase is a form of 'child-speak' characterized by repetitive syllables, a pattern also found in the French word for mother, maman.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, je voudrais une barbe à papa, s'il vous plaît.Hello, I would like a candy floss, please.
- Excusez-moi, puis-je avoir de la barbe à papa?Excuse me, can I have some candy floss?
- La barbe à papa est une sucrerie très populaire en France.Candy floss is a very popular sweet treat in France.
- Je voudrais une barbe à papa, s'il vous plaît.I would like some candy floss, please.
- La barbe à papa est très sucrée.The candy floss is very sweet.
- Les enfants adorent la barbe à papa rose.Children love pink candy floss.
Example conversation
At a summer fairground.
- LéaRegarde, Nathan, il y a un stand de barbe à papa !Look, Nathan, there is a candy floss stand!
- NathanTu en veux une, Léa ?Do you want some, Léa?
- LéaOui, s'il te plaît, c'est mon dessert préféré.Yes, please, it is my favorite dessert.
- NathanD'accord, je vais en acheter une pour toi.Okay, I will buy one for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry barbe à papa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
