Northern French Dialect: A Linguistic Exploration

The Distinctive Charm of Northern French

The French spoken in the Nord, Pas-de-Calais, and Picardy regions of France possesses a unique vocabulary and linguistic particularities that set it apart. These characteristics are largely attributable to the historical presence of Picard and West Flemish dialects, the specific realities of life in the North, and the significant influence of neighbouring Belgium. This exploration delves into some of these fascinating linguistic elements, offering a glimpse into the culture and history of the Hauts-de-France region.

A Lexicon Rooted in History and Local Life

The vocabulary of Northern France is a vibrant tapestry woven from various linguistic threads. Let's examine some of the most notable terms and their origins:

10. Berloquer

The verb berloquer describes something that is unstable or poorly fixed. If a table 'berloque', it means its legs are uneven, the floor is damaged, or it wasn't assembled correctly, causing it to wobble. The term can also extend to mean 'to talk nonsense' or 'to be out of one's mind,' similar to the English idiom 'to be off one's rocker.' In this sense, it is also expressed as 'décarocher,' which in Picard means to deviate from a path. This word highlights the practical, often physical, nature of everyday language, reflecting the need to describe the stability (or lack thereof) of objects in one's environment.

9. Busier, Busiller

This verb means 'to think' or 'to ponder.' An example usage is: "Arrête de busiller, de gamberger. Qu’advienne le meilleur ou le pire, mais qu’on en finisse" ("Stop thinking, stop pondering. Let the best or worst happen, but let it be over."). The author M. Quint also uses derived forms like 'busillerie' and 'rebusillerie,' as in "Tant qu’il n’était pas au pied du mur en vrai, que c’était seulement des busilleries sur le danger, il était courageux comme personne" ("As long as he wasn't truly up against it, and it was only thoughts about the danger, he was braver than anyone."). The term is thought to derive from 'buse,' the buzzard. In Northern France, this bird has gained a reputation for being a 'thinker,' often depicted with its head held still as it watches its prey. This is a stark contrast to the more common, pejorative meaning of 'buse' in standard French, which refers to an ignorant person. This etymology showcases how regional dialects can imbue common words with entirely new, often positive, connotations based on local observations.

8. Carabistouille

A 'carabistouille' is a 'joke,' a 'prank,' or a 'tall tale' – a story that is clearly untrue. The word is frequently used in the plural. Former French President Emmanuel Macron was quoted saying, "Il ne faut pas raconter non plus des carabistouilles à nos concitoyens" ("We must not tell tall tales to our fellow citizens either."). This term, likely derived from the verb 'touiller' (to stir), was officially recognised in the Petit Robert dictionary in 2008. Similar words like 'cacouille' and 'couille' exist with the same meaning, though they are less common, possibly due to their more risqué sound. The evolution of 'carabistouille' into the mainstream French lexicon demonstrates the influence of regional speech patterns.

7. Chicon

This is the regional name for the endive, a true emblem of Northern French cuisine. Whether raw or cooked, the endive retains a slightly bitter taste, which can be challenging for children's palates. The slam poet Serial Crieur mentions it in his songs, recalling childhood: "Faut pont t’laisser abatte, / Si te veux, rajoute d’eul cassonate, / Quoi, ch’est nin bon ? / Finis tes chicons !" ("Don't let yourself be beaten down, / If you want, add some cassonade, / What, it's not good? / Finish your endives!"). The endive's prominence in the North speaks to the region's agricultural history and culinary traditions, adapting a somewhat bitter vegetable into a beloved local staple.

6. Chirloute

In regional French, 'chirloute' refers to a poor-quality coffee, either too weak or mixed with chicory. "Le liquide brun [que] contenait [sa gourde] avait un goût bizarre. C’était de la chirloute, du café très dilué avec un peu de chicorée" ("The brown liquid [his flask] contained had a strange taste. It was chirloute, very diluted coffee with a bit of chicory."). In the North and Picardy, coffee culture is deeply ingrained. Locals appreciate good coffee and have little tolerance for bad. Coffee is served at all hours to visitors, and historically, coffee pots would remain warm on the stove. Today, electric coffee makers are kept plugged in constantly. This highlights the social importance of coffee and the strong opinions held about its quality.

5. Drache, Dracher

This noun and its accompanying verb, originating from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Wallonia regions, denote a heavy downpour. It's a meteorological phenomenon considered typical of these areas. "Le ciel est tout noir, on dirait qu’il va encore dracher !" ("The sky is all black, it looks like it's going to rain heavily again!"). The word comes from the Belgian Flemish 'draschen.' The prevalence of this term underscores the region's climate and how the local population has developed specific vocabulary to describe its weather patterns.

4. É toquer (s’)

This verb means 'to choke' or 'to swallow something the wrong way.' For instance: "Ne mange pas si vite, tu vas t’étoquer !" ("Don't eat so fast, you'll choke!"). It's a verb borrowed from Picard, where it carries the same meaning. In Old Picard, 'faire estocquer' (from Middle Dutch 'stocken') had the broader sense of 'to stop the flow of a liquid in a conduit.' This linguistic borrowing from Picard demonstrates the historical interconnectedness of these dialects.

3. Goulafe

This word, meaning 'gluttonous' or 'greedy,' is very much alive in the North, with variations such as 'galafe' and 'galife.' It is also known in Belgium and elsewhere in forms like 'goulafre' and 'gouliafe' (the latter used by Victor Hugo). There are differing etymological theories: one suggests 'goulafe' comes from 'goule' (mouth), implying a large mouth, while 'galafe' and 'galife' might stem from the Old Frankish verb 'wala' meaning 'well,' combined with the Old French verb 'galer,' meaning 'to have fun' or 'to enjoy oneself.' This word reflects a descriptive and often colourful way of characterising people's eating habits.

2. Manicraque

Originally, the term 'manicraque' referred to any mechanism whose operation was not understood or whose name was unknown, particularly rotating mechanisms like switches or cranks. Marius Lateur, in his 'Lexique des régions minières d’Artois,' interprets it as something that is 'manie' (handled) and 'craque' (cracks), an explanation that is hard to dispute. The meaning has broadened over time, so that a 'manicraque' can now refer to an electronic device, such as a computer, as long as its functioning remains mysterious. This term vividly captures the common experience of encountering complex technology.

1. Quinquin

The word 'quinquin' designates a child or a baby and likely originates from the Flemish word 'kind,' which has the same meaning. The term 'Quinquin' is almost universally associated in Northern France with the Picard lullaby 'L’Canchon-Dormoire,' also known as 'Le P’tit Quinquin' (by Alexandre Desrousseaux, 1853). The song tells the story of a lace-maker, a typical worker in Lille in the 19th century, who raises her child alone. The work quickly became a regional anthem, sometimes referred to as the "Marseillaise of the Northerners." This connection highlights how language can become deeply intertwined with cultural identity and shared heritage.

A Rich Linguistic Heritage

The vocabulary of Northern France is a testament to its rich history, influenced by neighbouring cultures and the specificities of its environment and industries, particularly mining. These regional terms are not merely quaint relics; they are living expressions that continue to colour the daily conversations of the people in Hauts-de-France. They offer a unique window into the region's soul, preserving a heritage that is both deeply rooted and continuously evolving. So, when you're in the North, don't be afraid to try out a 'carabistouille' or ask for a good coffee, not a 'chirloute' – you might just surprise the locals with your appreciation for their distinctive linguistic charm!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main influence on Northern French dialect?

The main influences are the historical presence of Picard and West Flemish dialects, the specific realities of life in the region, and the proximity to Belgium.

What does 'berloquer' mean?

'Berloquer' means to be unstable, wobbly, or poorly fixed. It can also mean to talk nonsense.

What is a 'chicon'?

A 'chicon' is the regional name for an endive, a popular vegetable in Northern French cuisine.

Is 'Quinquin' a famous song?

Yes, 'Quinquin' is strongly associated with the famous Picard lullaby 'Le P'tit Quinquin,' which is considered a regional anthem.

Does the term 'manicraque' only apply to old machines?

No, originally it referred to any poorly understood mechanism, but its meaning has expanded to include modern electronic devices like computers if their functioning remains mysterious.

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