pirogue
Louisiana, noun
In Cajun French a pirogue is simply a pirogue, the same word as in standard French. It is a narrow flat-bottomed boat used in the shallow bayous and swamps of Louisiana.
Louisiana speakers also use the word in English, so a pirogue is a familiar sight in Cajun country for fishing, trapping and getting around the water.
Meaning: small flat-bottomed boat for bayous (noun)
Which one should you use?
The spelling and meaning match standard French, where pirogue names a dugout canoe. In Louisiana the word points to a small light boat suited to marsh water.
Did you know?
- The word pirogue entered French from Caribbean languages, and it reached English through French as well.
Examples in context
- Il a pris sa pirogue pour aller pêcher.He took his pirogue to go fishing.
- La pirogue glisse sur le bayou.The pirogue glides over the bayou.
- On a une vieille pirogue derrière la maison.We have an old pirogue behind the house.
Example conversation
Grandpa Alcide and his grandson Rémi get ready to go out on the bayou in Louisiana.
- RémiPépère, on prend la pirogue?Grandpa, are we taking the pirogue?
- AlcideOui, la pirogue est au bord de l'eau.Yes, the pirogue is at the water's edge.
- RémiJe vais chercher les rames.I will get the paddles.
