Today in class we briefly talked of Saint Valentin- the day for lovers, they call it here. It’s not for passing out paper hearts to your classmates, or giving candy to your mother; it’s all about chocolates, flowers, and fancy restaurants. There are quite a few ways to call your sweetheart “sweetheart” here in France, and many of them are names of animals. I put together a list for your entertainment:
For women:
For men:
For both men and women:
My least favorite is probably mon chou!
flea? Do you know enough about the culture to explain why “flea” is used as term of endearment?
Not really. My guess is that it’s because it has a nice sound, and it’s one of those compare-your-sweetie-to-something-little names. I don’t think the French know, either.
Aww… “Little Sugar Heart” is cute. But “cabbage”? Really?
They SAY that “mon chou” can also refer to some kind of pastry, but I don’t believe them. It means “cabbage”, people!
My mom used to call me “Mon petit chou” all the time
Fun! I like having little nicknames for people. Call me sappy, but I do. I tend to call people “love” or “honey” anyway, so I might as well say it in French!
Another one of my favorites is “ma mie”, which comes from the old French for my (feminine) friend. Most people also relate it to the soft bread inside the crusty baguette.
There’s also “mon chouchou”, which means “my favorite”!
My French teacher in high school used to call us all “mes petits chous!” Someone tried to tell me it could also mean Brussells sprouts. That did not make me feel any better.
:D My French professor from first semester called us “les enfants”, which is typical French. They refer to everyone that way. It’s not my preferred nickname!