Forty and Fabulous: Birthday Banter in French
The idioms French friends use to tease, flatter and toast someone hitting the big four-oh.
In France a 40th birthday is often marked with a big party at home or in a rented room, a speech or slideshow from friends, and a cake with candles to blow out while everyone sings « Joyeux anniversaire ». « La crise de la quarantaine » is the standard joke about a midlife crisis, and teasing about grey hair is affectionate. Friends greet each other with la bise and use tu.
- 1
Tu fais pas ton âge !
You don't look your age!
- 2
J'ai pris un coup de vieux.
I've suddenly aged. (casual)
- 3
Je passe le cap de la quarantaine.
I'm reaching the forty mark.
- 4
C'est la crise de la quarantaine.
It's a midlife crisis.
- 5
Souffle tes bougies !
Blow out your candles!
- 6
T'es dans la fleur de l'âge.
You're in the prime of life.
- 7
Tu vieillis comme le bon vin.
You get better with age.
- 8
Il a les cheveux poivre et sel.
He's going grey.
- 9
Je suis bien dans ma peau.
I feel good about myself.
- 10
Faut profiter de la vie à fond.
You have to enjoy life to the full.
- 11
T'as pas pris une ride.
You haven't aged a bit.
- 12
On a l'âge qu'on se sent.
You're as old as you feel.
- 13
J'ai un petit coup de blues.
I'm feeling a bit down.
- 14
Ça m'a donné un coup de jeune.
It made me feel young again.
- 15
Il a de la bouteille.
He's been around the block.
- 16
On va faire la fête jusqu'au bout de la nuit.
We're going to party all night long.
- 17
Elle a mis les petits plats dans les grands.
She went all out for the dinner.
- 18
Ça se fête !
That calls for a celebration!
- 19
La vie commence à quarante ans.
Life begins at forty.
- 20
Il y a encore de beaux restes !
You've still got it! (teasing)