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# 6 French culture

Many French people love to entertain and they often invite friends round for a meal. Another opportunity for socialising is the traditional apéritif, also referred to as l’apéro. L’apéritif is a national custom in France. It involves setting aside half an hour or so before a meal to share a drink (usually alcoholic), nibbles (olives, peanuts, savoury snacks, canapés, etc.) and conversation with family, friends, neighbours or colleagues.

L’apéro is enjoyed by people of all ages, and forms an important part of home life, public and private celebrations, and café and restaurant culture. The word actually refers to both the drink and the convivial moment before a meal. If you are invited out for l’apéritif, don’t expect a full meal.

Figure 3 L’apéritif

## Activity 9

Food is a very important part of French culture. As such, there are many French idiomatic expressions referring to food, for example: J’ai la pêche (meaning ‘I’m on top form’, but literally tanslated to ‘I have a peach!’). Below are a few more idiomatic expressions. For each of these well-known French sayings, find the right English equivalent.

C’est pas tes oignons.

You’re not French
It’s none of your business.
These are not your onions.

Les carottes sont cuites.

The carrots are cooked.
You look like a carrot.
There is nothing that can be done.

Tu racontes des salades.

You like salad.
You look green.
You’re telling stories.

C’est du gâteau.

It’s a doddle.
It’s delicious.
It’s a cake.
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OpenLearn - Getting started with French 2
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