le talonnage
The English phrase "tailgating" is translated into French as le talonnage.
In the context of traffic safety and driving behavior, le talonnage is used to describe the act of following too closely behind another vehicle.
Meaning: driving dangerously close behind another vehicle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun talonnage is derived from the verb talonner, which means to heel or to follow closely at the heels.
Did you know?
- Outside of driving, the verb talonner is used in long-distance running and cycling to describe a runner who stays right behind the leader to save energy.
- In French hunting terminology, talonner can describe a hound that is closely tracking the scent of its prey.
- While 'tailgating' in English can refer to an American barbecue party, the French term le talonnage is strictly limited to the physical act of following or shadowing.
Examples in context
- Hier, je collais tellement au cul de sa voiture que je pensais qu'il allait s'arrêter.Yesterday, I was tailgating his car so closely that I thought he would stop.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are talking about their drive home.
- LucasLe conducteur derrière nous pratiquait le talonnage.The driver behind us was tailgating.
- EmmaOui, c'était vraiment stressant pour moi, Lucas.Yes, it was really stressful for me, Lucas.
- LucasLe talonnage peut causer des accidents graves.Tailgating can cause serious accidents.
- EmmaJe suis contente que nous soyons arrivés.I am glad that we have arrived.
