chat, j'ai pété
The English phrase "cat, I farted" translates to French as chat, j'ai pété.
This phrase is a statement used to inform a cat that the speaker has released gas from their bowels. The expression relies on the verb péter, which is the informal way to describe flatulence in French.
Did you know?
- The verb péter is used in the common French idiom péter les plombs, which means to lose one's temper or have a nervous breakdown.
- In French, the word pété can also be used as slang to describe someone who is extremely drunk or high.
- While chat is the standard word for a cat, the word 'chat' in English can also mean an informal conversation, which is a completely different linguistic root than the French animal.
Example conversation
Hugo is sitting on the sofa with his cat while Chloé watches.
- HugoChat, j'ai pété.Cat, I farted.
- ChloéC'est dégoûtant, Hugo !That is disgusting, Hugo!
- HugoPardon, c'était accidentel.Sorry, it was accidental.
- ChloéOuvre la fenêtre, s'il te plaît.Open the window, please.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chat, j'ai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
