Are You Patapouf?
French friends taught me a new word recently– patapouf! This means rotund, plumb, often applied to babies. Sometimes translated as “butterball”. Isn’t this a cute word? Definitely the name of my next cat (I’ve already been telling Vino Bambino that he’s looking a bit “pataflouffy“).
Which got me thinking, what makes a word “cute,” in a particular language?
In English, we often put an -y or an -ie on a word to make it cute. Think of nicknames: Bill becomes Billy, Mom becomes Mommy. There’s fluffy, cutie, sweetie, and so on.
Years ago a French friend introduced me to her gray (gris) cat, named Grisou. When I asked her about the name, she explained that the French often add -ou to a word to make it cute. Think bise (kiss) and bisou (a peck on the cheek). Another French diminuitive is -ette: maison, maisonette. Sometimes that -ou or -ouf comes in the middle of the word. Which brings to mind Anouk’s imaginary kangaroo in the movie Chocolat, Pantoufle.
And speaking of cute “-ou”‘ words, dou-dou is a baby’s comfort blanket or toy. Which is pronounced like the word doux, which itself means soft or sweet. Dou-dous for babies are typically a clever combo of a small stuffed animal and a blankie. No French bébé would be without one.
Here is Vino Bambino, proudly showing off his patapouf-iness. Is it time for un régime?
Ok, cuteness overload! Do you have any favorite cute French words to share?
In the COMMENTS: Merci for your recipes! I have never heard ot Gujarati carrots, Paula, but I want to try them and also take a look at that cookbook. Natalia, I never thought of carrots for a sauce, but it sounds delicious. Not to mention Debbie’s carrot salad, with the clever addition of coconut. Which turns Debbie’s husband into a chick magnet! Christine, a friend just gave me a jar of preserved lemons, which are new to me, so I’m trying out recipes. Vicky, it’s STILL hot here, 103 degrees today! And, as Francine knows, even in the Alps.
Favorite READS: I just read a novel that wowed me–upbeat, funny, and wise. It’s called Villa Coco, by Andrew Sean Geer. If you liked Travels with my Aunt, by Graham Green–a favorite of mine–you will like this one. Natalia’s book this week is Letters from Provence, which tells a most interesting true French story. Chris recommends another French memoir, A Season for That, by Steve Hoffman. And by the way, if you are thinking of moving to France, Francine shared an upcoming on-line event, Living the French Dream, a how-to program.
