maringouin
Louisiana, everyday
In Cajun French a mosquito is a maringouin. The standard French word moustique is understood everywhere, but maringouin is the word you hear in Louisiana.
Meaning: mosquito (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| maringouin | Louisiana, everyday |
| moustique | standard |
Maringouin is also used in Quebec French, so it is not unique to Louisiana. It is an everyday word and is not slang.
Which one should you use?
In France people say moustique, and maringouin sounds unfamiliar there. Louisiana speakers know both words.
When do people say it?
With so many swamps and bayous, mosquitoes are a daily topic in Louisiana, and complaints about les maringouins come up in summer talk.
Did you know?
- The word maringouin comes from a Tupi word and has been used in French in the Americas for centuries.
Examples in context
- Il y a trop de maringouins ce soir.There are too many mosquitoes tonight.
- Un maringouin m'a piqué.A mosquito bit me.
- Ferme la porte pour les maringouins.Close the door because of the mosquitoes.
Example conversation
Marie and her cousin Étienne sit on the porch of a house near the bayou in the evening.
- MarieLes maringouins sont mauvais ce soir.The mosquitoes are bad tonight.
- ÉtienneOui, ils me piquent partout.Yes, they are biting me everywhere.
- MarieRentrons dans la maison.Let us go inside.
