Swiss Vernacular: A Guide for Expats

Exploring the Swiss Lexicon: More Than Just Chocolate and Watches

Switzerland, a nation celebrated for its pristine landscapes, efficient public transport, and world-renowned watches, also possesses a linguistic charm that can be both intriguing and, at times, a little perplexing for outsiders. While German, French, Italian, and Romansh are the official languages, the everyday vernacular spoken by the Swiss often incorporates unique words and phrases that set it apart. Whether you're planning a relocation, a holiday, or simply curious about Swiss culture, understanding some of these distinctive terms will undoubtedly enhance your experience and help you navigate conversations with greater ease. This article delves into some of the most common and fascinating elements of Swiss German and French vernacular, offering insights that go beyond the typical tourist phrases.

A Different Way of Counting: Septante, Huitante, and Nonante

One of the most striking differences encountered when learning Swiss German is the numbering system. Unlike standard German or French, where numbers like 70, 80, and 90 are expressed with specific words (siebzig, achtzig, neunzig in German; soixante-dix, quatre-vingts, quatre-vingt-dix in French), Swiss German employs a more logical, albeit unfamiliar, approach. From the age of 69 onwards, the Swiss tend to stick to a more straightforward counting method:

• Septante is used for 70 (instead of 'siebzig' or 'soixante-dix'). So, 71 becomes 'septante-et-un'.
• Huitante is used for 80 (instead of 'achtzig' or 'quatre-vingts'). Consequently, 85 is 'huitante-cinq'.
• Nonante is used for 90 (instead of 'neunzig' or 'quatre-vingt-dix'). Thus, 99 is 'nonante-neuf'.

This system, while perhaps initially confusing, is remarkably consistent and easy to grasp once you become accustomed to it. Many argue that this method is more intuitive, and it’s a testament to the Swiss penchant for clarity and efficiency.

The Ubiquitous 'Natel'

If a Swiss person asks to borrow your 'Natel', they aren't asking for your name or a secret code; they are likely referring to your mobile phone. The term 'Natel' originated from the acronym "Nationales Autotelefonnetz," which referred to a network of car-mounted mobile phones. Over time, this brand name became so ingrained in the public consciousness that it evolved into the general term for a mobile phone or smartphone throughout Switzerland.

Understanding the Winds: 'La Bise' and 'Le Foehn'

The Swiss have a precise way of describing winds, distinguishing between cold and warm currents. 'La Bise' refers to a cold, dry wind, often associated with northerly or easterly origins, though its direction can vary. Conversely, 'Le Foehn' is a warm, dry wind that typically blows down the leeward side of mountains, often experienced in the pre-alpine regions. It's worth noting that the Swiss don't just use 'Foehn' to describe the wind; they also use it as a verb. Instead of saying they are drying their hair with a hairdryer, they might say they are 'se Foehnen' – literally, to 'Foehn' their hair.

'Ça joue?' – The Swiss All-Rounder

Perhaps one of the most versatile and frequently heard phrases in Swiss French is 'Ça joue?'. This expression acts as the linguistic equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, capable of conveying a multitude of meanings depending on the context. It can be used to ask "How are you?" (similar to 'Ça va?'), to confirm that something is alright ("Is that okay?"), to indicate that everything is proceeding smoothly ("Everything's good"), or even to check if something is convenient for someone ("Does that bother you?"). Its adaptability makes it an indispensable part of everyday conversation.

'Le Cheni': A Matter of Tidiness

In Switzerland, if someone tells you to 'ranger votre cheni', they are urging you to tidy up your mess. The word 'cheni' denotes disorder, clutter, or a general state of untidiness. While this term might also be heard in some regions of France, particularly in the Franche-Comté area bordering Switzerland, its usage is quite common in Switzerland to describe anything from a messy room to a chaotic situation.

Swiss Timekeeping: Beyond the Clock

Switzerland's reputation for precision extends to its approach to time. While asking for the time is a universal necessity, the Swiss might sometimes phrase it in slightly more colloquial ways, reflecting their comfort and familiarity with the concept of punctuality and accurate timekeeping. This is, of course, intrinsically linked to their mastery of horology.

Mealtime Musings: Déjeuner, Dîner, and Souper

One of the most common linguistic adjustments for newcomers is understanding the Swiss mealtime vocabulary. The Swiss typically structure their day's meals as follows:

• Déjeuner: This is the morning meal, equivalent to breakfast in many other cultures.
• Dîner: This is the midday meal, corresponding to lunch.
• Souper: This is the evening meal, akin to dinner.

So, if you are invited for 'le dîner' in Switzerland, expect a midday meal, not an evening feast. Failing to adhere to this can lead to a missed fondue or a cold raclette!

'Adieu' – A Friendly Greeting

In many cultures, 'adieu' signifies a final farewell. However, in Swiss French, it can also be used as a casual greeting, similar to 'hello' or 'hi'. Therefore, if a Swiss friend starts a text message with 'Adieu', don't assume they are bidding you a permanent goodbye! It's simply a friendly, albeit potentially confusing, way to initiate communication.

Incorporating English: 'La Jaquette' and 'Les Socks'

The Swiss are often proficient in multiple languages, and this can sometimes lead to the incorporation of English words into their French or German conversations. For instance, 'la jaquette' is commonly used to mean a jacket or a blazer, and 'les socks' refers to socks. They might also drink 'Thé froid' (cold tea) rather than 'Ice-tea', highlighting a preference for French terminology where possible, even when discussing concepts that have widely adopted English names.

'Ou bien?' – Expressing Mild Annoyance

This phrase, often placed at the end of a sentence, can convey a subtle sense of exasperation or questioning, similar to "What now?" or "Seriously?". For example, if someone asks "Ça va ou bien?!", it might imply a slight irritation or a demand for a more definitive answer. It’s a nuanced expression that adds a layer of emotional context to a simple question.

Vaudois Vernacular: 'De bizingue' and 'Se tchuffer'

Moving into more regional specificities, particularly within the French-speaking canton of Vaud, we find even more unique expressions:

• 'De bizingue': This term means 'crooked' or 'askew'. Instead of saying a shelf is mounted incorrectly, a Vaudois might say it's 'tout de bizingue'.
• 'Se tchuffer': Contrary to what its sound might suggest (resembling 'se chauffer' – to warm oneself), 'se tchuffer' actually means to kiss or to cuddle. The phrase "Me tchuffe pas, j’ai la riclette" is a playful, albeit slightly crude, Vaudois expression meaning "Don't kiss me, I have the riclette" (a humorous reference to cheese, implying bad breath or perhaps a desire to avoid intimacy).

'Un Frouillon' and 'Une Fricasse'

Continuing with Vaudois terms:

• 'Un frouillon': This refers to a cheat or a trickster, someone who engages in dishonest practices.
• 'Une fricasse': This word is interestingly polysemous, meaning either extreme heat or extreme cold. It's a versatile term that efficiently describes adverse weather conditions without needing to specify the exact temperature.

'La Débattue': Numbed by the Cold

Related to 'fricasse' when referring to cold, 'la débattue' describes the numbness or stiffness in the fingers caused by severe cold. A sentence like "Y’a une telle fricasse dehors j’ai chopé la débattue du siècle" vividly paints a picture of extreme cold leading to frozen fingers.

The Quintessential Swiss Expression: 'Ça joue?' Revisited

As highlighted earlier, 'Ça joue?' stands out as a favourite due to its incredible versatility. It seamlessly fits into numerous conversational contexts, functioning as a greeting, an affirmation, or a question about convenience. Its widespread use, particularly in Suisse Romande (French-speaking Switzerland), makes it an essential phrase for anyone interacting with the Swiss.

Conclusion

Switzerland's linguistic landscape is as rich and varied as its geography. By familiarising yourself with these unique terms and expressions, you'll not only be better equipped to understand and communicate with the Swiss but also gain a deeper appreciation for their distinctive culture. So, whether you're counting to ninety, discussing the weather, or simply asking 'Ça joue?', embracing the local vernacular will undoubtedly enrich your Swiss experience.

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