Funny French Sayings

It is a proven scientific fact that funny French sayings and other humorous quotations and expressions significantly reduce stress levels and strengthen the human body's immune system. Humor has a way of releasing all the stresses, worries, and tensions of a difficult day. It makes people and those around them happier, more at peace with themselves and the world, and of course, has them rolling on the floor with laughter.

Funny French sayings are also an excellent learning tool for anyone trying to learn the nuances of the French language, expand their French vocabulary, or improve their French conversational skills. Common sayings tend to be short, making them easier to memorize. Placed within the context of a sentence, paragraph, or conversation, they are also more meaningful and teach you the correct usage and conjugation of each particular phrase and its words.

Your knowledge of funny French sayings will not only show off your refined sense of humor, but it will showcase your expanding French language skills. Understanding and knowing when to use French sayings and expressions will greatly benefit you when you travel to Paris or to any other destination in France. Moreover, it's a great way to impress your family, your friends, your boyfriend or girlfriend, or your French-speaking business associates and clients.

What is particularly entertaining about the French language are its many idioms, which when translated word-for-word into English, are rather nonsensical and will keep you amused for hours. The following is a small sample of funny French sayings used in everyday life; they are followed by both their literal translations and their actual meanings or intent:

• À jeune chasseur, il faut un vieux chien = A young hunter needs an old dog (Someone inexperienced needs someone older to show him the ropes)
• À bon chat, bon rat = For a good cat, a good rat (Tit for tat)
• Qui vole un oeuf vole un boeuf = He who steals an egg, steals an ox (Once a thief, always a thief)
• Souris qui n'a qu'un trou est bientôt prise = A mouse with only one mouse hole quickly gets taken (Better to be safe than sorry)
• Les carrottes sont cuites = The carrots are cooked (The die is cast; I've had it!)

This next French phrase sums up the benefits of laughter for living and makes for a great French sign to hang in your kitchen, bedroom, or front hallway:

• "Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup" = Live well, love much, laugh often

You can find many more funny French sayings on the Internet; however for your amusement, here is one last humorous French expression that really takes the cake!

• "La vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin" = Life is too short to drink bad wine!

Other French sayings