What does it mean when the French say sacre bleu?

What does it mean when the French say sacre bleu?

astonishment, shock
The term sacré bleu is a dated, stereotypical French expression meant to express astonishment, shock, or amazement.

Why is sacre bleu a swear word?

Sacrebleu or sacre bleu is a French profanity used as a cry of surprise, irritation or displeasure. It is a minced oath form of the profane sacré dieu, “holy God”. The holy God exclamation being profane is related to the third commandment: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”

Where does sacre bleu come from?

sacre bleu (interj.) an English notion of a stereotypical French oath, 1869, from French sacré bleu, literally “holy blue,” a euphemism for sacré Dieu (1768), “holy God.” From Old French sacrer, from Latin sacrare “to make or declare sacred” (see sacred). Such things are never idiomatic.

Is it OK to say sacre bleu?

Sacrebleu! Sacrebleu is a very old fashioned French curse, which is rarely used by the French these days. An English equivalent would be “My Goodness!” or “Golly Gosh!” It was once considered very offensive.

Does anyone say sacre bleu?

Even grand-parents don’t really say it anymore, but you will probably find it used in French novels from the 19th and early 20th century. The reason the English presume all the French say sacrebleu! can perhaps be blamed on Agatha Christie’s fictional Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who was very fond of the phrase.

Do the French still say sacre bleu?

What color represents France?

Blue of France
Bleu de France (Blue of France) is a colour traditionally used to represent France. Blue has been used in the heraldry of the French monarchy since at least the 12th century, with the golden fleurs-de-lis of the kings always set on a blue (heraldic “azure”) background.

What does Zoot mean in French?

Translation of zut – French-English dictionary Damn! I missed the bus!

What is Fleur Bleue?

fleur bleue (invariable) (derogatory) mushy, slushy, cheesy, corny, sappy, soppy, schmaltzy, syrupy, saccharine, maudlin, sentimental synonyms ▲ Synonyms: mièvre, nunuche, cucul, cucul la praline, à l’eau de rose.

What is French blue called?

Bleu de France