croque-monsieur
A croque monsieur is a French term for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
This phrase refers to a specific type of toasted sandwich made with ham and cheese.
What does it mean word for word?
The name is derived from the verb croquer, meaning to crunch or bite and the word monsieur, meaning mister.
Did you know?
- The term croque is also used in French slang as a shortened version of croque-mort, meaning an undertaker.
- If you add a fried egg on top of a croque-monsieur, it becomes a croque-madame. The egg is meant to look like a woman's hat from the early 20th century.
- Despite its popularity in English-speaking menus, the sandwich is a relatively modern invention of the 1900s rather than an ancient French delicacy.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais un croque-monsieur, s'il vous plaît.I would like a croque-monsieur, please.
- Est-ce qu'il reste un croque-monsieur ?Is there a croque-monsieur left?
- Ce croque-monsieur est vraiment délicieux.This croque-monsieur is really delicious.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are at a small café for lunch.
- LucasQu'est-ce que tu vas manger, Manon ?What are you going to eat, Manon?
- ManonJe vais prendre un croque-monsieur.I'm going to have a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
- LucasC'est un bon choix !That's a good choice!
- ManonOui, j'adore ça.Yes, I love them.
