doigt à ressaut
Trigger finger in French is doigt à ressaut.
The term doigt à ressaut is used to describe the difficulty encountered in finger flexion or extension. In a colloquial context, you might also hear Doigt qui se bloque to describe a finger that gets locked or stuck in a bent position or Doigt qui coince for a finger that gets stuck.
Meaning: difficulty encountered in finger flexion or extension (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase doigt à ressaut literally means finger with a snap/spring. It is composed of doigt (finger) and ressaut (a snap, spring or sudden movement), which describes the snapping sensation of the finger.
Did you know?
- The spelling of doigt includes a silent 'g' that was only added in Middle French to prevent confusion with the verb 'doit', which means 'he/she/it must'.
- The word ressaut can also describe a sudden rise in a geographical landscape, such as a cliff or a ledge.
- The Latin ancestor of doigt, 'digitus', is the same root found in the English word 'digit', referring to both fingers and numbers.
Examples in context
- J'ai un doigt à ressaut depuis hier.I have had a trigger finger since yesterday.
- Le médecin a diagnostiqué un doigt à ressaut.The doctor diagnosed a trigger finger.
- Mon doigt à ressaut est très douloureux.My trigger finger is very painful.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are talking about a hand injury.
- NathanMon index est bloqué depuis ce matin.My index finger has been stuck since this morning.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est un doigt à ressaut, Nathan ?Is it a trigger finger, Nathan?
- NathanJe pense que oui, c'est très douloureux.I think so, it's very painful.
- EmmaTu devrais consulter un spécialiste rapidement.You should see a specialist quickly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doigt, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
