être pendu aux basques

You use it when someone is being overbearing. It functions as a verb phrase. You can say someone is pendu aux basques of another person. It implies a sense of being weighed down. You feel like you are dragging them along. It is perfect for describing social clinginess. Use it when you feel slightly suffocated by someone’s presence. It highlights the physical or emotional 'closeness' that has gone too far.

Use it when a colleague follows you to every meeting. Use it when a younger sibling won't stop shadowing you. It works well when complaining to a third party. "He's been pendu à mes basques all day!" It is great for venting about a clingy date. You can also use it at a party. Maybe someone you just met won't leave your side. It captures that 'velcro' feeling perfectly.

Don't use this in a very formal job interview. It is a bit too colorful for a CEO. Avoid using it for someone you actually like being with. It carries a negative, slightly annoyed undertone. If someone is just being helpful, this is too harsh. It isn't for romantic 'closeness' that is mutual. Only use it when the attention is unwanted. It is about the burden, not the bond.

The word basques refers to the tails of a coat. In the 17th century, men wore long jackets with these flaps. If someone was 'hanging' from them, they were literally pulling you back. It suggests a person who has no direction of their own. They rely entirely on your movement. It has survived centuries because the feeling of a 'clinger' is universal. It evokes old-fashioned clothing but feels very modern in spirit.

You might hear être toujours fourré dans les basques. This is even more informal. It means to be 'stuffed' into someone's coat-tails. Another version is lâcher les basques. This means "leave me alone" or "get off my back." If you tell someone Lâche-moi les basques !, you are being quite firm. It is the perfect way to demand your personal space back. Both versions rely on that same image of the coat-tail.