French word of the Day: Mélo
Embellishing the truth is sometimes key to telling a good story - but some people like to take it too far.
Why do I need to know mélo?
Because some people love drama.
What does it mean?
Mélo, pronounced "mel-oh", is short for mélodramatique - melodramatic.
It comes from the word mélodrame (melodrama) - a theatrical genre which flourished in France in the 18th century. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Pygmalion is widely considered the first great melodramas. The play was first performed in Lyon in 1770 and tells the story of a sculptor who falls in love with one of his statues - spoiler alert: the Goddess Venus then brings the statue alive.
The melodrama genre is characterised by sensationalised storylines that aim to tug on the heartstrings. The goal is to achieve the strongest possible emotional appeal.
Early melodramas often integrated music, perhaps helping pave way for modern day musical theatre.
How do I use it?
In contemporary French, you can sarcastically use the word mélo to indicate that someone is exaggerating or that they are giving undue emotional importance to a situation.
C'est mélo hein ? - That's a bit melodramatic, isn't it?
C'est du mélo - It is melodramatic
If you want to go even further you can accuse someone of being mytho - a serial bullshitter or compulsive liar.
Not to be confused with...
Be careful not to confuse mélo with méli-mélo or emméli-mélo which means "a confusing mix/mess/mishmash".
Un méli-mélo de symboles ne fait que rebuter les consommateurs au lieu de les informer - A confusing mix of symbols only alienates consumers rather than informing them
Le modèle social européen est un méli-mélo - The European social model is a mishmash
Mélo is also the name of the "Clefairy" Pokemon in French.
Comments
See Also
Why do I need to know mélo?
Because some people love drama.
What does it mean?
Mélo, pronounced "mel-oh", is short for mélodramatique - melodramatic.
It comes from the word mélodrame (melodrama) - a theatrical genre which flourished in France in the 18th century. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Pygmalion is widely considered the first great melodramas. The play was first performed in Lyon in 1770 and tells the story of a sculptor who falls in love with one of his statues - spoiler alert: the Goddess Venus then brings the statue alive.
The melodrama genre is characterised by sensationalised storylines that aim to tug on the heartstrings. The goal is to achieve the strongest possible emotional appeal.
Early melodramas often integrated music, perhaps helping pave way for modern day musical theatre.
How do I use it?
In contemporary French, you can sarcastically use the word mélo to indicate that someone is exaggerating or that they are giving undue emotional importance to a situation.
C'est mélo hein ? - That's a bit melodramatic, isn't it?
C'est du mélo - It is melodramatic
If you want to go even further you can accuse someone of being mytho - a serial bullshitter or compulsive liar.
Not to be confused with...
Be careful not to confuse mélo with méli-mélo or emméli-mélo which means "a confusing mix/mess/mishmash".
Un méli-mélo de symboles ne fait que rebuter les consommateurs au lieu de les informer - A confusing mix of symbols only alienates consumers rather than informing them
Mélo is also the name of the "Clefairy" Pokemon in French.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.