chaoui
Louisiana
In Cajun French a raccoon is a chaoui. The standard French name raton laveur is understood, but chaoui is the local word.
Meaning: North American mammal (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| chaoui | Louisiana |
| raton laveur | standard |
You say un chaoui for the animal. The plural is des chaouis, and you will hear it when people talk about trapping and old recipes.
How do you pronounce it?
Chaoui sounds like "sha-WEE".
Did you know?
- The word chaoui is a Louisiana French word that does not come from standard French.
Examples in context
- Un chaoui est dans les poubelles.A raccoon is in the trash cans.
- Le chaoui mange la nuit.The raccoon eats at night.
- Un raton laveur lave sa nourriture.A raccoon washes its food.
Example conversation
Maurice and his son Dany notice a raccoon behind their house near Houma.
- DanyPapa, un chaoui dans la cour!Dad, a raccoon in the yard!
- MauriceIl cherche à manger.He is looking for food.
- DanyIl est mignon.He is cute.
