Quebec is internationally renowned for many reasons: maple syrup, poutine, Céline, and our way of speaking. Depending on the region, there are several different accents in Quebec, but we all share the same colorful vocabulary. Here is a list of emblematic words of Quebec French:
Quebecers don't quarrel, they "fight." We can also say that we "fight" someone who does something reprehensible. The word is so popular that there's even a band called La Chicane , but that's a whole other story!
We often hear the expression "faire la baboune" (to act like a baboune). The word "baboune" is derived from the word "babine," which means lips. After an argument, we can therefore "babouner," which means to sulk. This applies to children and adults alike!
The adjective "achalant" comes from the verb "achaler" which means to disturb, annoy or upset.
In Quebec, we love to indulge our sweet tooth! Quebec produces 71% of the world's maple syrup, so it's no surprise to learn that the expression "shack at sugar" is purely Quebecois.
In Quebec, there are as many meanings for the word "pogner" as there are hockey fans . "pogner" can be used as a synonym for "catch," "grasp," "get caught," "understand," etc. It can be used in all sorts of ways! For example, you can "pogner" your nerves if you "pogne" a ticket.
The convenience store is the small neighborhood grocery store. The meaning comes from the verb "dépanner" which means to repair a breakdown. So in short, a convenience store is there to help us out when we're craving chips .
"Gougounes" are beach sandals, or flip-flops, as our French friends would say. This term is truly typical of Quebec vocabulary and is more than pleasant to pronounce.
The word "broue" has quite a history. We know that its origins are Norman and that the word is derived from several derivatives. If you see a connection with the English word "brew," you're not wrong! Broue is foam. It can be bath foam, just like beer foam. Cheers!
In Quebec, "chialer" doesn't mean to cry. Here, "chialer" is more synonymous with anger. "Chialer" is defined as complaining or criticizing constantly. For example: "He can't stop whining about the price of gas!"
When it's scary, it's frightening. The word "epeurant" is the Quebec version of saying that something is scary. For example: "That horror movie is scary!"
"S'enfarger" means to stumble. It can be used to say, "I tripped over the carpet and fell." It can be used in the expression "s'enfarger dans ses mots," which means to speak imprecisely, or "s'enfarger dans les fleurs du tapis," which means to complicate one's life with unimportant details.
"Virailler" means to go around in circles or look for one's way. It is also used to refer to an action that requires a lot of movement. For example: "I went all over town to do my shopping."
