double-double
The English phrase "double double" is translated into French as double-double.
In a coffee shop context, double-double refers to a specific coffee order that contains two portions of cream and two portions of sugar. If you want to order a coffee with only one cream and one sugar, you should instead say un café avec une crème et un sucre.
Did you know?
- In Quebec, double-double is so ingrained in the local culture that it is often used as a shorthand for the specific ritual of visiting a drive-thru coffee shop.
- While double-double is used in Quebec, it is an 'anglicisme' that would be virtually unknown in France. A Parisian barista might interpret the request as an order for two double espressos.
- The use of double-double in French is a prime example of the linguistic blend in Quebec, where English commercial terminology is absorbed directly into local French speech.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are at a coffee shop.
- EmmaQu'est-ce que tu veux boire, Hugo?What do you want to drink, Hugo?
- HugoJe vais prendre un double-double.I'll have a double-double.
- EmmaD'accord, je commande pour nous deux.Okay, I'll order for both of us.
- HugoMerci beaucoup, Emma!Thank you very much, Emma!
