h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well while the m-word obviously refers to s-h-i-t with similar primary and secondary meanings as in English, it can however only be applied to things, while "ordure" applies to persons. So, "c'est une m*rde" = it is useless/garbage. Whereas "c'est une ordure" = he is a barsteward. Note the feminine, often the gender of invective.

It is of course referred to a bit archly by older people as "le mot de Cambronne" (Cambronne's word). Cambronne (1770-1842), a die-hard Napoleon loyalist, is supposed to have uttered the word in response to warning shots by the English at Waterloo. He is also supposed to have said on the same occasion that 'The Guard would die rather than surrender'. Hugo was greatly taken by this conceit.

To express surprise tinged with pleasure/frustration, you would exclaim "Ben, m*rde alors!"

It helps release feelings of frustration when used in triplicate: M!M!M!. And of course works even better with the addition of "bordel" (bordello). B****l de M***e! would then express the frustration of everyday life, like missing the bus, breaking things, etc.

Finally an idiom that would apply so well to some people we know: "elle ne se prend pas pour de la merde" = she thinks very highly of herself.

Most instructive, thanks.

I wonder if anyone ever said within Madame Thatchers earshot: elle ne se prend pas pour de la merde? Certainly merde was said a lot in those days.

Le Fantôme

"elle ne se prend pas pour de la merde"

I really love this expression Martine - it's just soooo right for certain people!