lait de poule
/lɛ d(ə) pul/
The English phrase eggnog is translated into French as lait de poule.
lait de poule refers to a rich, creamy dairy drink that is often spiced and served during the winter holiday season. While the English term 'eggnog' refers to a specific holiday beverage, lait de poule is a more general French term for a warm, milk-based drink that often contains egg and sugar.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'hen's milk'.
Did you know?
- In France, lait de poule is frequently served as a comforting, non-alcoholic remedy for children with colds or as a bedtime drink.
- The word poule in lait de poule comes from the Vulgar Latin word pulla, which originally referred to a young animal or a chick.
- While the drink is called lait de poule, the word poule specifically refers to a hen rather than a generic chicken.
Examples in context
- Hier soir, lors du réveillon, j'ai goûté au délicieux lait de poule fait maison de ma grand-mère.Last night, during the Christmas Eve dinner, I tasted my grandmother's delicious homemade eggnog.
- Je voudrais un lait de poule, s'il vous plaît.I would like an eggnog, please.
- Le lait de poule est très sucré.The eggnog is very sweet.
- On prépare le lait de poule pour Noël.We are making eggnog for Christmas.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are preparing drinks for a holiday party.
- ManonLucas, as-tu préparé le lait de poule ?Lucas, did you prepare the eggnog?
- LucasOui, il est au réfrigérateur.Yes, it is in the refrigerator.
- ManonC'est parfait pour ce soir !That is perfect for tonight!
- LucasJe vais servir les verres maintenant.I will pour the glasses now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lait de poule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, lait, lait de poule, poule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
