cousin
male, Louisiana
Cajun French uses cousin for a male cousin and cousine for a female cousin. The words are the same as in standard French.
Meaning: child of an aunt or uncle (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| cousin | male, Louisiana |
| cousine | female |
You can add cher or chère when speaking to a cousin, as in Salut, cher cousin. Cousins often meet at family gatherings and dances.
How do you pronounce it?
The final n is nasal, so cousin sounds like "koo-ZAN".
When do people say it?
Large extended families are a well known part of Cajun life, and cousins are often counted as close family.
Did you know?
- The word "Cajun" is a shortened form of "Acadian", the name of the French settlers who were forced out of Acadia in the 1750s and 1760s and later settled in Louisiana.
Examples in context
- Mon cousin vient dimanche.My cousin is coming on Sunday.
- Ma cousine habite à Lafayette.My cousin lives in Lafayette.
- Salut, cher cousin!Hi, dear cousin!
Example conversation
Jacques meets his cousin Marie at a family dance in Breaux Bridge.
- JacquesSalut, Marie. Comment ça va?Hi, Marie. How are you?
- MarieÇa va bien, cousin. Et toi?Fine, cousin. And you?
- JacquesÇa va bien aussi.Fine too.
