Medieval French Sayings Explained

The Middle Ages, a period stretching roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, was a time of profound transformation in Europe. Beyond the grand castles, chivalrous knights, and epic battles, this era was also rich in language and culture, leaving us with a legacy of colourful expressions and proverbs that still resonate today. Many of these sayings, originating from the daily life, customs, and beliefs of the time, offer a unique window into the medieval mindset. Understanding their origins can illuminate not only historical context but also the evolution of language itself.

'De bon aloi': The True Worth of a Coin

The phrase 'de bon aloi', meaning 'of good quality' or 'genuine', has its roots firmly planted in the medieval monetary system. In an age where coinage was the lifeblood of trade, the 'aloi' referred to the proportion of precious metal, typically gold or silver, present in a coin. Each lord often had the right to mint their own currency, leading to variations in purity. To ensure a coin's authenticity, its 'aloi' was crucial. Bankers would check this by listening to the sound it made when struck against a hard surface – a clear ring indicated a good alloy – or more reliably, by weighing it on a precise balance known as a 'trébuchet'. Thus, 'espèces sonnantes et trébuchantes' (literally 'sounding and weighed species') came to mean hard cash, the real deal, as opposed to mere promises or paper money.

Chivalry and Courtly Love: 'Cotte mal taillée' and 'Courtois'

The ideals of chivalry shaped much of medieval society, particularly among the nobility. A 'chevalier', or knight, was more than just a warrior; they were expected to adhere to a code of conduct that included bravery, loyalty, and courtesy. The term 'courtois' itself originally meant 'of the court', reflecting the refined manners and sophisticated language expected of those in royal or noble households. Knights would often engage in tournaments, where a lady's favour, such as a sleeve or a ribbon from her dress, might be worn as a symbol of devotion. This practice is echoed in the expression 'une cotte mal taillée', which, while literally meaning 'a badly cut tunic', came to signify an ill-fitting compromise or an approximation that satisfied no one. The poorly tailored garment, like a bad compromise, simply didn't serve its intended purpose.

Justice and Ordeals: 'Jugement de Dieu' and 'Être sur la sellette'

Medieval justice systems were often quite different from our modern ones. When evidence was scarce or legal frameworks unclear, recourse was often made to the 'Jugement de Dieu', or Trial by Ordeal. This involved subjecting the accused to a dangerous physical test, with the belief that divine intervention would protect the innocent. Examples include plunging a hand into boiling oil or holding a hot iron; if the wounds healed cleanly and quickly, innocence was presumed. This practice highlights the era's deep religious faith, but also its often brutal methods. Similarly, 'être sur la sellette', meaning 'to be in the hot seat' or 'under scrutiny', derives from the low wooden stool, the 'sellette', on which an accused person would sit during interrogation. The low height was designed to be psychologically uncomfortable and symbolically demeaning, placing the accused in a vulnerable position before their judges.

The Language of Conflict and Challenge: 'Jeter le gant' and 'Rompre une lance'

Conflict, whether on the battlefield or in more formal settings, was a constant feature of medieval life, and the language reflects this. 'Jeter le gant', meaning to throw down the gauntlet, was a literal challenge to combat. The glove, representing the knight's honour and authority, was thrown at the feet of an opponent, and picking it up signified acceptance of the duel. To 'rompre une lance', or to break a lance, was another term directly related to jousting. Knights would charge at each other with lances, aiming to unseat their opponent. Breaking a lance against the opponent's shield was a sign of a successful encounter. Today, these phrases are used metaphorically to describe engaging in a dispute or a challenging debate.

Expressions of Disdain and Mockery: 'Faire la nique' and 'Crier haro sur quelqu'un'

Not all medieval interactions were polite. Mockery and disdain were also expressed through specific gestures and cries. To 'faire la nique', meaning to mock or taunt someone, originally involved a gesture of contempt, perhaps raising one's nose impertinently. A more severe form of public condemnation was to 'crier haro sur quelqu'un'. This was a cry for justice or retribution, often raised when someone was being robbed or wronged. The cry of 'Haro! Haro!' summoned help and signified a strong public denunciation, akin to calling for immediate punishment upon the offender.

The Everyday and the Extraordinary: 'Faire ripaille' and 'Pays de Cocagne'

Life in the Middle Ages wasn't solely about warfare and religious devotion. Feasting and the pursuit of pleasure also played a significant role, particularly among the wealthy. To 'faire ripaille' means to feast heartily, to live it up. This expression is linked to the Duke of Savoy, Amédée VIII, who, despite retiring to a priory, lived a life of luxury with his courtiers, enjoying exquisite food and company, hence 'making merry' rather than truly being an hermit. The ideal of abundance and effortless plenty is captured in the concept of the 'Pays de Cocagne', or Cockaigne, a mythical land of plenty where food was abundant and life was easy, a stark contrast to the often harsh realities of medieval existence.

Wisdom and Caution: 'L'habit ne fait pas le moine' and 'Qui va à la chasse perd sa place'

The medieval period was also a time of accumulated wisdom, often expressed in proverbs designed to guide behaviour and understanding. 'L'habit ne fait pas le moine', meaning 'the habit doesn't make the monk' or 'don't judge a book by its cover', reflects a concern with authenticity and a recognition that outward appearances can be deceiving. This was particularly relevant in a society where clothing often signified social status. A more pragmatic piece of advice is found in 'Qui va à la chasse perd sa place', literally 'He who goes hunting loses his place'. This proverb, originating from the game of 'paume' (a precursor to tennis), where 'chasse' referred to a specific point in the game, warns that leaving your current position, even for a seemingly good opportunity, can result in losing what you already have.

Humour and Misunderstanding: 'Prendre des vessies pour des lanternes'

Humour, often relying on wordplay and misunderstanding, was also present. 'Prendre des vessies pour des lanternes', meaning to mistake one thing for another or to be utterly mistaken, plays on the similar-sounding, albeit very different, objects. In old French, both 'vessie' (bladder) and 'lanterne' could figuratively mean something hollow or nonsensical. The error wasn't necessarily confusing the physical objects, but accepting a foolish notion for a sensible one, highlighting a lack of discernment.

A Lexicon of Medieval Life

The provided list offers a rich tapestry of medieval French expressions, each with a story to tell:

Conclusion

The linguistic treasures of the Middle Ages are vast and continue to enrich our modern vocabulary. These expressions are not mere historical curiosities; they are living testaments to the ingenuity, beliefs, and daily experiences of people who lived centuries ago. By delving into their origins, we gain a deeper appreciation for the continuity of language and the enduring power of human expression.