In France, having a debate or an argument is considered healthy and intelligent. The French believe that if you can’t have a good old row with your partner in public then you’ve got something to hide. Certainly in this quiet and tranquil little village where I have a home you can from time to time, hear the sounds of “healthiness” coming from a house or two in our road – it normally sets our dogs off and although the language is mostly incomprehensible at such times I do understand a word or two. If you want to have a healthy debate in French, here are a few expressions you might find useful:
T’occupe – Mind you own business (literally: go and occupy yourself)
J’y crois pas – I can’t believe it!/I don’t believe it
Tu m’emmerdes – You’re annoying me/you’re getting on my nerves
Tais-toi – Shut up
Tu me prends la tête – You’re doing my head in
mettre sa langue dans ta poche – hold your tongue (literally: put your tongue in your pocket)
C’est pas vrai – It’s not true
Tu me gonfles – you go too far (literally: you inflate me)
Laisse béton – leave it out/give me a break (literally: leave concrete)
Ooh, these will come in handy someday! It's true that even after all this time speaking French, my weapons of argument are woefully dull. Next time I lay this béton line on somebody they'll know I mean business!
I have used some of these expressions… – they're definitely useful!
that's hilarious…
We aim to please! Best wishes, Janine