ventriglisse
The English phrase "slip and slide" is translated into French as ventriglisse.
The term refers to a long sheet of plastic used for sliding on water for fun.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ventriglisse is a compound of ventre (belly) and glisse (slide).
Which one should you use?
A more descriptive way to refer to a homemade slip and slide is glissade sur bâche.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the term glissade d'eau is used to refer to a water slide.
Did you know?
- French describes the sensation of sliding as la glisse, a term also used by surfers and snowboarders to describe the flow of their movement.
- While glissade is the base for the activity, the verb 'glisser' can also mean to 'slip' in the sense of losing one's footing unexpectedly.
- Unlike the English 'slip and slide' which uses two verbs, ventriglisse is a single compound noun created by fusing a body part and an action.
Examples in context
- On a installé un ventriglisse dans le jardin.We installed a slip and slide in the garden.
- Les enfants adorent jouer sur le ventriglisse.The children love playing on the slip and slide.
- Il faut de l'eau pour le ventriglisse.You need water for the slip and slide.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are preparing for a summer afternoon at home.
- GabrielManon, tu peux sortir le ventriglisse ?Manon, can you bring out the slip and slide?
- ManonOui, je le prends tout de suite.Yes, I'll get it right away.
- GabrielN'oublie pas d'arroser le plastique.Don't forget to wet the plastic.
- ManonC'est fait, tout est prêt pour glisser !It's done, everything is ready to slide!
