Laissez les bons temps rouler
Cajun, slogan
In Cajun French "let the good times roll" is Laissez les bons temps rouler. It is Louisiana's best known party phrase.
It is said at festivals, parties and dance halls. It invites everyone to enjoy music, food and company.
Meaning: slogan encouraging celebration (phrase)
How does it change in a sentence?
Laissez is the polite "you" command form of laisser, "to let".
How do you pronounce it?
It is said close to "lay-SAY lay bon tahn roo-LAY".
When do people say it?
The phrase is closely tied to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and to Cajun festivals, and it appears on many signs and souvenirs.
Did you know?
- A fais do-do is a Cajun dance party, and the name is thought to come from a children's phrase for going to sleep.
Examples in context
- C'est le Mardi Gras, laissez les bons temps rouler!It is Mardi Gras, let the good times roll!
- On va danser ce soir, laissez les bons temps rouler.We are going to dance tonight, let the good times roll.
Example conversation
At a fais do-do dance in Lafayette, Rémi greets his friend Colette at the door.
- RémiColette, tu es arrivée!Colette, you made it!
- ColetteOui, j'ai hâte de danser.Yes, I cannot wait to dance.
- RémiAlors, laissez les bons temps rouler!Then let the good times roll!
