la diarrhée
medical, neutral
The neutral word is la diarrhée, the same as in standard French. A more everyday word is la courante, literally "the running".
Meaning: loose bowel movements (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| la diarrhée | medical, neutral |
| la courante | informal |
You say avoir la courante for "to have the runs". At a doctor or pharmacy la diarrhée is the safer choice.
How do you pronounce it?
Diarrhée is said "dya-RAY" and courante is "koo-RAHNT".
Did you know?
- The expression avoir la courante is old in French and is not limited to Louisiana.
Examples in context
- J'ai la diarrhée depuis hier.I have had diarrhea since yesterday.
- Le bébé a la courante.The baby has the runs.
- Il faut aller à la pharmacie.We need to go to the pharmacy.
Example conversation
Clarisse tells her sister Odette that her son is sick, and they decide to see the pharmacist in Crowley.
- ClarisseMon garçon a la diarrhée.My boy has diarrhea.
- OdetteDonne-lui de l'eau et va à la pharmacie.Give him water and go to the pharmacy.
- ClarisseOui, j'y vais tout de suite.Yes, I am going right now.
