la petite mort
The phrase "little death" in French is la petite mort.
la petite mort is an informal expression used in an intimate context to refer to the brief loss of consciousness or spiritual release felt after a sexual orgasm.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine definite article la (the), the adjective petite (little/small) and the noun mort (death).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because mort is a feminine noun, the article la and the adjective petite must both be in their feminine forms.
Did you know?
- The term la petite mort was a favorite of 19th-century Decadent poets who used it to bridge the gap between eroticism and the sublime sensation of passing away.
- While la petite mort describes a momentary sensation, the French often use the word mort in common idioms to express extreme states, such as mourir de faim for being 'starving' or mourir de fatigue for being 'exhausted'.
- The term 'mort' in 'la petite mort' shares the same Latin root, 'mors', as the English word 'mortal', linking the physical concept of dying to the temporary state of ecstasy.
Examples in context
- Les Français appellent l'orgasme la petite mort.The French call orgasms "la petite mort" (the little death).This sentence is useful for learning how the French refer to an orgasm as la petite mort.Tatoeba #6866111 by GB3, translation #6882577 by kaiperkins271
- Il a ressenti la petite mort après l'acte.He felt the little death after the act.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing a poem in a quiet room.
- LéaCe poème parle de la petite mort, Nathan.This poem talks about the little death, Nathan.
- NathanC'est une image très intense pour elle.It is a very intense image for her.
- LéaElle décrit un lâcher-prise total.She describes a total release.
- NathanC'est une métaphore très puissante.It is a very powerful metaphor.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, mort, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
