SNCF Pour Nous Tous, Quiz 2: le mors aux dents

The above audio sample and transcription is from SNCF advert “Pour Nous Tous”. We do not own the content. See the full ad here.

The bit in the teeth

I found this ad on Youtube and wanted to share it. It’s like spoken word set to train track beat talking about the French. An interesting take as a learner looking to dive into the culture.

I’ll be honest, this snippet stumped me. I’m not sure if it’s the amount of vocab, or the expressions used. It seems highly colloquial, so I’m definitely confused.

Try not to let the meaning get to you. Can you hear the words that are said? What are you hearing? There are words even beginners will know: “fleur” “dents”. I found myself looking up words and still being confused. Not too sure what an apollonaire is, maybe a young romantic? An avant garde 20 something? lover of poetry and romance? Not too sure, honestly. Need to find a French teacher to ask… Do you know?

What about “le mors aux dents”, my understanding of this expression is like a horse with a bit in the mouth, if a person had a bit in the mouth they’d be angry and more driven to achieve their goals (and get rid of the bit). Also a movie from 1979 with a scam being run on politicians causing them to act out with a plan back… I think? I’ve got to find that…

Here’s the full ad for your reference, but follow along over the coming “lessons” as we dive into it.

How did you find this snippet?

The snippet in English

Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?

The above translation from Deepl. Source

What does “grandiloquent” mean?

The phrase “grandiloquent parfois” is a French expression that translates to “grandiloquent at times” or “sometimes grandiloquent.” It is an English word, but I still had to look it up just to be sure.

• Grandiloquent refers to a style of speaking (or writing) that is pompous or extravagant, often with the intention to impress.

So, in this context, French can being described as occasionally grandiloquent, or prone to using exaggerated and lofty language.

What does “la fleur au fusil” mean?

The phrase “la fleur au fusil” is a French idiom that literally translates to “flower in the rifle barrel.” It evokes the image of a soldier heading to battle with a flower in their gun, symbolizing a combination of optimism, bravery, or even naivety in the face of danger or conflict.

Metaphorically, it describes someone who faces challenges or potentially dangerous situations with an idealistic, carefree, or overly optimistic attitude, as if they are unafraid or unaware of the risks involved.

From Wiktionary:

• (figuratively) in a jolly manner, merrily, light-heartedly, insouciantly, blithely
• (figuratively) boldly, bravely and enthusiastically

In this context, it could suggest that the French, as a collective, often face challenges or difficult situations with a spirit of optimism, courage, and perhaps a certain naiveté. It might reflect a cultural trait of approaching life with idealism or a sense of romantic adventure, even in the face of adversity or danger. Historically, this idiom has been associated with French soldiers heading into World War I with a sense of patriotic enthusiasm, despite the looming realities of war.

What does “le mors aux dents” mean?

The phrase “le mors aux dents” is a French idiom that literally translates to “the bit between the teeth.” It comes from the world of horse riding, where a horse that grabs the bit between its teeth may become uncontrollable, charging forward with great energy or force.

Metaphorically, “le mors aux dents” means to go full throttle or to tackle something with intense determination and energy, often without holding back. It suggests someone who is highly motivated or driven, acting with vigor and unstoppable momentum.

When applied to all French people, this idiom would emphasize the determination and tenacity of the French. It implies that the French, when provoked or motivated, will act with relentless energy and passion, throwing themselves fully into action or causes they believe in. This could point to a national characteristic of persistence, intensity, and a refusal to back down in the face of challenges.

What does “un apollinaire” mean?

“Un Apollinaire” in this context refers to the famous French poet Guillaume Apollinaire (1880–1918), one of the most important literary figures of the early 20th century. Apollinaire is known for his innovative and avant-garde poetry, blending romanticism with modernism, and for his contributions to the Surrealist and Cubist movements.

When the phrase “romantique comme un Apollinaire de 20 ans” (romantic like a 20-year-old Apollinaire) is used, it likely evokes a youthful, passionate, and idealistic vision of the poet. At 20, Apollinaire would have been full of romantic notions, yet on the cusp of developing the more modern, complex, and avant-garde elements that would later define his work. This comparison highlights the freshness, intensity, and sincerity of youthful romanticism, which was a central theme in Apollinaire’s early works.

In the broader sense, “un Apollinaire” in this context symbolizes a young, romantic, and idealistic individual—someone brimming with poetic vision, dreams, and emotional intensity. It adds a layer of intellectualism and artistic sensibility to the description, connecting it to French cultural pride in literature and poetic expression.

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