en chien
The English phrase "down bad" can be translated into French as en chien.
In French, this expression is used to describe someone who is attracted at the expense of one's dignity. It is typically used in a sentence with the verb être (to be) to describe a person's state of being desperately attracted to someone, such as être en chien.
Meaning: attracted at the expense of one's dignity (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase en chien is invariable. This means it does not change based on the gender or number of the person being described.
Did you know?
- The expression en chien is part of a broader French linguistic pattern where dogs are associated with misery or low status, seen also in phrases like une vie de chien.
- In modern French slang, the word chien can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is difficult or unpleasant, such as a 'tough' day.
- In certain regional dialects of France, such as Picard, the word for 'dog' sounds more like tchien than the standard French chien used in the expression.
Examples in context
- Il est complètement en chien pour elle.He is completely down bad for her.
- Arrête d'être en chien comme ça.Stop being so down bad like that.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing a mutual friend's crush.
- HugoTu as vu comment il la regarde ?Did you see how he looks at her?
- ChloéOui, il est vraiment en chien.Yes, he is really down bad.
- HugoC'est un peu gênant, non ?It's a bit embarrassing, right?
- ChloéTotalement, il n'a plus aucune dignité.Totally, he has no dignity left.
