With the weather we are getting these days, instead of saying it’s going to rain you should say « il va y avoir du bouillon » (there will be broth). And given the temperatures, don’t forget to take your « broustou » (coat) to go out.
Do you have a friend that always complains for no reason? Forget the usual words you would use to describe him, that person is a « marmotteur »! Since he probably won’t even understand the criticism, you won’t even need to apologize!
The mop (serpillère) you said? No, as a true Genevan, you will say « panosse », your floor will only be cleaner!
It’s seasonal and delicious! « Les Merveilles » (the marvels – Mardi Gras fried pastries) are part of Geneva’s vocabulary and that’s a great reason to have a « bocon » (a little piece) around a large « tablée » this « tantôt » (a table with friends this afternoon).
When the temparature will be high again, you won’t have « greulettes » (shivers) anymore, but don’t become too « molache » (person with no energy) when it will be too hot!
Audrey R. – Journaliste pour Color my Geneva, tous droits réservés
Source : Dumont E-L, 1983, Le dialecte genevois, Editions du Journal de Genève.
Crédits photo : exploreur.univ-toulouse.fr
