poule mouillée
/pul mu.je/
The English phrase 'scaredy cat' is translated into French as poule mouillée.
Poule mouillée is used to describe a person who is easily frightened or lacks courage. While English speakers use a cat to express this idea, French speakers use a hen to convey the same sense of weakness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "wet hen".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is an informal and colloquial expression used to tease someone for being cowardly.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because poule is a feminine noun, the phrase une poule mouillée is always feminine, even when you are referring to a male.
Did you know?
- The word poule is used in French to describe a 'pool' of money in a betting game or a lottery, completely unrelated to birds or fear.
- While poule mouillée refers to a coward, the word poule on its own can be used as a slang term for a 'girlfriend' or 'girl', though it is now seen as dated and patronizing.
- While French uses a 'wet hen' to signify cowardice, the Russian language expresses a similar sentiment using the phrase 'wet chicken'.
Examples in context
- Le poltron n'osa même pas s'approcher du chien effrayant.The scaredy cat didn't even dare to get close to the frightening dog.
- Elle a été traitée de couarde lorsqu'elle a refusé de faire l'expérience.She was called a scaredy cat when she refused to try the experiment.
- Arrête de te comporter en froussard et viens faire cette attraction avec nous !Stop acting like a scaredy cat and come on this ride with us!
- Ne fais pas ta poule mouillée et plonge dans l'eau froide !Don't be a scaredy cat, and jump into the cold water!
- Ne fais pas la poule mouillée avec moi.Don't be a scaredy cat with me.
- Arrête d'être une poule mouillée et saute !Stop being a scaredy cat and jump!
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are standing at the edge of a high diving board.
- HugoTu n'oses pas sauter, quelle poule mouillée !You don't dare to jump, what a scaredy cat!
- ChloéCe n'est pas de la peur, c'est de la prudence.It's not fear, it's being cautious.
- HugoAllez, Chloé, fais un effort !Come on, Chloé, make an effort!
- ChloéD'accord, mais tu m'accompagnes.Fine, but you are coming with me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry poule mouillée, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
