fromage qui pue
The English phrase "stinky cheese" is translated into French as fromage qui pue.
This phrase is used to describe cheese that has a very strong and unpleasant smell.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of fromage (cheese), qui (that/which) and pue (stinks/smells bad).
Which one should you use?
fromage qui pue implies a disgusting or offensive smell, whereas fromage qui sent fort is a more neutral way to describe cheese with a powerful aroma.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
fromage qui pue is informal and colloquial because the verb puer is quite blunt and can even sound slightly rude. For a formal context, use Fromage malodorant. In a very informal setting, you might say Fromage qui pue grave to mean cheese that stinks badly.
Did you know?
- The word fromage is etymologically linked to the English word 'form', as both descend from the Latin 'forma' meaning 'mould'.
- While 'stinky cheese' is often a negative description in English, calling a cheese qui pue can be a badge of honor used by connoisseurs to praise pungent varieties.
- The phrase ça pue is frequently used as a slang expression to describe a situation that is suspicious, dangerous or going poorly.
Examples in context
- Tu dois goûter ce fromage qui pue grave , il est incroyablement délicieux malgré l'odeur.You must taste this cheese that stinks badly, it is incredibly delicious despite the smell.
- Je n'aime pas ce fromage qui pue.I don't like this stinky cheese.
- Je déteste ce fromage qui pue.I hate this stinky cheese.
- Il y a un fromage qui pue dans le frigo.There is a stinky cheese in the fridge.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are in the kitchen.
- HugoQu'est-ce que c'est ?What is that?
- LéaC'est un fromage qui pue.It is a stinky cheese.
- HugoL'odeur est horrible !The smell is horrible!
- LéaDésolée, Hugo, je l'ai oublié ici.Sorry, Hugo, I left it here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fromage, qui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
