j'ai la gueule de bois
The English phrase "I am hungover" is expressed in French as j'ai la gueule de bois.
This phrase is used to express that you feel ill after consuming too much alcohol. You can emphasize how severe the hangover is by adding the word grave to the end of the phrase, as in j'ai la gueule de bois grave.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression la gueule de bois literally translates to "the wooden mouth" or "the wooden maw".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expression is informal. This is because it uses the word gueule, which is a colloquial or slang term for a mouth (typically one used when referring to an animal).
How does it change in a sentence?
Note that while English uses the verb "to be" (I am hungover), French uses the verb avoir (to have). Therefore, you say j'ai la gueule de bois.
Did you know?
- The word gueule is the foundation for the blunt command ta gueule, which is the equivalent of telling someone to 'shut your trap'.
- The word gueule shares the same Latin root, gula, as the English word 'gluttony'.
- The phrase j'ai la gueule de bois is so informal that using it in a professional meeting could be perceived as coarse or lacking in etiquette.
Examples in context
- J'ai une terrible gueule de bois aujourd'hui, malheureusement.I have a terrible hangover today, unfortunately.
- Putain, j'ai la gueule de bois grave, j'aurais mieux fait de ne pas boire autant hier soir!Damn, I'm seriously hungover, I should've not drunk so much last night!
- J'ai la gueule de bois ce matin.I am hungover this morning.
- Ne me donne pas de café, j'ai la gueule de bois.Don't give me coffee, I am hungover.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are talking on the phone the morning after a party.
- ChloéSalut Hugo, tu veux aller au cinéma ?Hi Hugo, do you want to go to the movies?
- HugoDésolé Chloé, j'ai la gueule de bois.Sorry Chloé, I am hungover.
- ChloéTu as trop bu hier soir !You drank too much last night!
- HugoOui, je vais rester au lit.Yes, I'm going to stay in bed.
