French expression of the Day: Une commère
Because everyone sometimes enjoys a good gossip.
Why do I need to know une commère?
It’s the ideal word to describe someone who has a passion for gossiping.
What does it mean?
Une commère is the French term for a person who is always on the lookout for a new gossip.
Although commère is a feminine word, it can be used for a man as well (and the une doesn't change into un). She/he loves to chitchat about anyone or anything, as long as it has nothing to do with herself/himself.
She/he is a character known to be curious, who loves informal talking and spreading rumors.
A commère is what Anglos would call 'a good gossip'.
In the past, a commère described a common woman who imposed herself thanks to her energy and her language. A commère could also be used to describe a “godmother”.
Use it like this
Usually, French will use une commère in a pejorative way, to signal that someone is irritating.
Mais quelle commère ! – What a gossip!
Si seulement elle arrêtait de faire sa commère, elle pourrait se concentrer sur des choses plus importantes. - If only she stopped being a gossip, she could concentrate on more important stuff.
Il adore être une commère, surtout quand ça concerne les gens du bureau. - He loves being a gossip, especially when it regards people at work.
Synonyms?
Concierge - gossip
Pipelette/ bavarde - someone who doesn't stop talking
In the mood for some good gossip in French? Check our article about the 10 French phrases that will help you out.
Comments
See Also
Why do I need to know une commère?
It’s the ideal word to describe someone who has a passion for gossiping.
What does it mean?
Une commère is the French term for a person who is always on the lookout for a new gossip.
Although commère is a feminine word, it can be used for a man as well (and the une doesn't change into un). She/he loves to chitchat about anyone or anything, as long as it has nothing to do with herself/himself.
She/he is a character known to be curious, who loves informal talking and spreading rumors.
A commère is what Anglos would call 'a good gossip'.
In the past, a commère described a common woman who imposed herself thanks to her energy and her language. A commère could also be used to describe a “godmother”.
Use it like this
Usually, French will use une commère in a pejorative way, to signal that someone is irritating.
Mais quelle commère ! – What a gossip!
Si seulement elle arrêtait de faire sa commère, elle pourrait se concentrer sur des choses plus importantes. - If only she stopped being a gossip, she could concentrate on more important stuff.
Il adore être une commère, surtout quand ça concerne les gens du bureau. - He loves being a gossip, especially when it regards people at work.
Synonyms?
Concierge - gossip
Pipelette/ bavarde - someone who doesn't stop talking
In the mood for some good gossip in French? Check our article about the 10 French phrases that will help you out.
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