We dive into toxic chemicals… but don’t worry about those, what about the words “pires” and “rouler par” in the context of this clip? Hear it all and see if you can pick it out. Type in what you hear to our transcription quiz!
fooled by
This was cut from inside the previous clip, it is now the stand alone “potential ad” for hooking the youths.
What’s opening up for you with this clip?
The snippet in English
What does “pires” mean?
- Translation: “Pires” is the plural form of “pire,” which means “worse” or “worst” in English, depending on the context.
- Examples:
- “Les pires ennemis.” (The worst enemies.)
- “Parmi les films que j’ai vus, ceux-ci sont les pires.” (Among the movies I’ve seen, these are the worst.)
Context:
“Pires” is often used to amplify the negative quality of something in comparison to other things. It’s a way to emphasize the extremity of a bad situation, object, or person.
Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Synonyms:
- Plus mauvais (worse)
- Les moins bons (the least good)
- Antonyms:
- Meilleurs (better, best)
- Plus bons (better)
Variations:
The singular form, “pire,” is used when referring to a singular noun or a general idea.
- “C’est le pire moment de ma vie.” (It’s the worst moment of my life.)
Idiomatic Usage:
- “Le pire, c’est que…” translates to “The worst part is that…” in English. It’s a common way to emphasize the most negative aspect of a situation.
Cultural Notes:
“Pires” is a word that is universally understood in the French-speaking world. It’s not tied to a particular region or age group. Using “pires” correctly, especially in comparisons, can be a sign of fluency, as comparative structures often pose challenges for language learners.
What does “rouler par” mean?
When used in a figurative sense, “rouler” can mean “to fool” or “to deceive” someone. Let’s delve into this:
Meaning and Usage:
- Translation: “Rouler” can be translated as “to fool” or “to deceive” when used in a figurative context.
- Examples:
- “Il m’a roulé.” (He fooled me.)
- “Ne te laisse pas rouler par ses belles paroles.” (Don’t let yourself be fooled by his sweet words.)
Context:
In the figurative sense, “rouler” is often used informally and colloquially. It implies deception or trickery.
Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Synonyms:
- Tromper (to deceive)
- Duper (to dupe)
- Antonyms:
- Être honnête (to be honest)
- Dire la vérité (to tell the truth)
Variations:
- “Se faire rouler” is a reflexive form meaning “to get fooled” or “to be taken in.”
- “Rouler quelqu’un dans la farine” is an idiomatic expression that means “to pull the wool over someone’s eyes.” The literal translation is “to roll someone in flour,” painting a humorous picture of the deception.
Idiomatic Usage:
- As mentioned above, “rouler quelqu’un dans la farine” is a colorful way to describe deceiving someone.
Cultural Notes:
While “rouler” primarily has the physical sense of “rolling” or “driving,” its figurative use in the sense of “fooling” is quite common in everyday language.
What is opening up for you?
Comment below with the words you thought you heard, where you struggled, where you surprised yourself, or what you thought about this clip. Every little bit inspires other learners, thank you for being that inspiration to others on their French fluency journey!
We dive into toxic chemicals… but don’t worry about those, what about the words “pires” and “rouler par” in the context of this clip? Hear it all and see if you can pick it out. Type in what you hear to our transcription quiz!
