Pardon My French Trivia Quiz

Answer: Shopkeepers, Merchants and Traders

This was during the feudal period of the middle ages. Today, however, when the term is applied to anyone, it's considered more of an insult and is used against someone considered to have middle-class values and attitudes.

Answer: Coffee with milk

This can also refer to a colour that is light brown in shade. Doctors also apparently use the term to describe certain colour birthmarks, as in "cafe au lait spot'. Typical doctors' goobledygook - why can't they just write "light brown birthmark"?

Answer: To God

"Au revoir" on the other hand literally means "until re-seeing". Both terms are used today to say goodbye to someone. "Adieu" in its original context suggests you will never see that person again. It could even be used somewhat insultingly, implying you never wish to see that person alive again. So if a true French person says "adieu" to you, perhaps it's time to give a gulp or two.

Answer: Bottom of the bag

"Bottom" is the polite form of "cul" - the term is somewhat stronger than that but not permissible here. Used by itself, it's a vulgar term, but put with "de sac" makes it acceptable. We of course know the term more commonly as a dead end street.

Answer: A procession

In English we use the word mainly in association with funeral processions. However, in the French, its meaning is applied to all processions.

Answer: A nativity display

It was interesting to learn that and I'm not sure how it went from that to our understanding of the word - that of a child-minding facility. However, c'est la vie (It is what it is).

Answer: Great Prize

This is a term that has been long associated with motor racing. It is now associated with many other sports as well, such as the tennis Grand Prix, or the darts or snooker Grand Prix. A darts Grand Prix seems a little comical somehow - a little like describing a Mickey Mouse cartoon as the greatest film ever shown.

Answer: Out of the fight

This term is usually applied to someone who cannot continue in a match of some kind, usually as a result of an injury. His race is run in other words.

Answer: Head to head

This is used when describing a conversation between two people and that is usually private in nature.

Answer: Confinement during childbirth

This comes from the French word "accoucher" which translates to "to be delivered of a child" and also from the old French word "acouchier" which translates to "put to bed". I'm sure all mothers would agree with me in thinking this term should really be "Ouch-ment" - big time.