bras de fer chinois
The English phrase "thumb war" is translated into French as bras de fer chinois.
The term bras de fer chinois is used specifically to describe the children's game known as a thumb war.
Meaning: children's game (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bras de fer chinois refers to the game of thumb war, you may also encounter Bagarre de pouces, which translates more literally to "thumb fight".
Did you know?
- The word chinois can refer to a conical kitchen strainer in French. This name comes from the strainer's resemblance to traditional Asian conical hats.
- The term bras de fer literally means 'arm wrestling', but it is also a common French idiom for a power struggle or a deadlock between two parties in a negotiation.
- The term bras de fer chinois is actually quite an exaggeration, as it literally translates to 'Chinese arm wrestling'.
Examples in context
- Organisons une bataille des pouces, ça te tente? Pourquoi pas? Ça fait longtemps!Let's organize a thumb battle, sound good to you? Why not? It's been a while!
- Les enfants jouent au bras de fer chinois.The children are playing thumb war.
- Je te défie à un bras de fer chinois.I challenge you to a thumb war.
Example conversation
Two siblings are bored on a rainy afternoon.
- ManonGabriel, on fait un bras de fer chinois ?Gabriel, shall we play a thumb war?
- GabrielD'accord, mais je vais gagner !Okay, but I am going to win!
- ManonOn verra bien.We shall see.
- GabrielPrépare-toi à perdre !Get ready to lose!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bras, chinois, de, fer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
