Word up Your French: chouette
Is there any animal left out there whose name hasn't been used in an expression? Today we explore the fabulous paradox of the word 'chouette', and its chouette meaning.
What exactly does it mean?
As a noun, 'chouette' means 'owl', and I could stop this Word up Your French right here, but that would be a bit disappointing, wouldn't it?
Fortunately, there is more to this story.
You know how we like to use animal and idioms together? In French particularly, animal idioms are everywhere. Well, since we can all agree that the owl is not the most beautiful creature out there and that it does not appear particularly friendly most of the time (because of those eyes, I presume), it is only fair that the word would be used to describe an old, mean lady.
"Ma prof de maths est vraiment une vieille chouette." (My math teacher is an old hag).
However- and that's the funny thing with the word 'chouette' - as an adjective, it means 'elegant', 'beautiful', and more commonly 'very good'. And that's when we need an explanation.
Where does this amazing word come from?
They say the word comes from old French 'çuete'. The onomatopeia probably derives from Italian 'civetta', the name of the little owl in this language (also called Athene noctua). That's for the animal.
As for the adjective, it finds its origins in old French 'choëter', meaning "to take great care of one's appearance" and "act coyly". This is due to the behavior attributed to the animal, although I personally have trouble seeing anything remotely seductive in an owl.
Now how am I supposed to use it?
So let's sum it up:
If someone says you are a chouette, it's bad.
If someone says you are chouette, smile and thank them.
Now use the expression "c'est chouette" to show (or fake) enthusiasm:
"Have you noticed my new haircut?" "Yes, it's chouette!'
"As you can see I've refurbished the living room all by myself." "Woaw, it's chouette..."
"I love your new shoes, they are very chouette."
"I met his new girlfriend, she's a chouette girl."