aiguillettes de poulet
The English phrase "chicken fingers" can be translated into French as aiguillettes de poulet.
The phrase refers to strips of chicken breast meat that are breaded and fried. While the English term specifically implies a breaded, finger-shaped snack, the French term aiguillettes de poulet refers more broadly to the shape of the meat strips and may or may not be breaded.
What does it mean word for word?
The term aiguillettes literally refers to small strips or thin pieces of meat.
Which one should you use?
You may choose different forms depending on what you want to emphasize. Use filets de poulet panés if you want to specifically emphasize that the chicken is breaded, as is common with the English term. Use Bâtonnets de poulet for a more formal translation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a noun phrase where aiguillettes is the head noun and de poulet acts as an adjective phrase meaning "of chicken".
When do people say it?
If you wish to add a sauce to an order, you can say Avec de la sauce.
Did you know?
- The word aiguillettes is derived from the French word aiguille, which means 'needle'. It describes the shape of the meat strips as being as thin and slender as a needle.
- In France, ordering aiguillettes de poulet at a traditional bistro may result in a plated meal with a sauce and vegetables, whereas in the US, 'chicken fingers' are typically served as a handheld appetizer.
- The word poulet uses the suffix -et, which is a diminutive. This means that while poule is a hen, poulet literally refers to a 'little hen' or a young chicken.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais des aiguillettes de poulet, s'il vous plaît.I would like some chicken fingers, please.
- Est-ce que les aiguillettes de poulet sont épicées ?Are the chicken fingers spicy?
- Il reste des aiguillettes de poulet pour le dîner.There are chicken fingers left for dinner.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are deciding what to order at a cafe.
- NathanQu'est-ce que tu veux manger ?What do you want to eat?
- ManonJe pense prendre des aiguillettes de poulet.I think I'll have the chicken fingers.
- NathanC'est une bonne idée, elles sont délicieuses ici.That's a good idea, they are delicious here.
- ManonParfait, je vais les commander pour nous deux.Perfect, I will order them for both of us.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, poulet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
