How to Say “Senior Moment” in French

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trou de mémoire
/tʁu d(ə) me.mwaʁ/
The English phrase "senior moment" can be translated into French as trou de mémoire.
While an English "senior moment" specifically implies a lapse in memory caused by aging, the French expression trou de mémoire is a neutral way to describe any temporary memory lapse, regardless of the person's age.

How do you pronounce it?

/tʁu d(ə) me.mwaʁ/

Did you know?

  • The term trou might not actually come from the Greek word for 'hole', but could instead be a distant relative of words meaning a 'round hill'.
  • The French language uses the word trou for various gaps, such as a 'hole' in a conversation or a 'gap' in a CV, not just physical holes.

Examples in context

  • Hier, j'ai eu un trou de mémoire total et j'ai oublié le nom de mon voisin de longue date!
    Yesterday, I had a total memory lapse and forgot the name of my long-time neighbor!
  • J'ai eu un petit trou de mémoire.
    I had a little senior moment.
  • C'est un simple trou de mémoire.
    It's just a temporary lapse in memory.
  • Où sont mes clés ? Quel trou de mémoire !
    Where are my keys? What a senior moment!

Example conversation

Hugo and Manon are talking about a movie they both saw.

  1. Hugo

    Comment s'appelle l'acteur principal ?
    What is the lead actor's name?
  2. Manon

    Attends, j'ai un trou de mémoire.
    Wait, I'm having a senior moment.
  3. Hugo

    C'est celui qui joue dans les films d'action.
    He's the one who is in the action movies.
  4. Manon

    Oui, je m'en souviens enfin !
    Yes, I finally remember!

Sources

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Roy Patrick
Roy PatrickHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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