tailler une bavette
To be good at gardening
直訳: To carve a piece of flank steak
Use this when you're settling in for a long, cozy chat with a friend or neighbor.
15秒でわかる
- It means to have a long, friendly chat with someone.
- The literal meaning is 'to carve a flank steak'.
- Use it for casual social catch-ups and gossip.
意味
Actually, this phrase has nothing to do with gardening! It means to have a long, casual chat or a friendly gossip session with someone.
主な例文
3 / 6Meeting a neighbor on the street
J'ai croisé Marc et on a taillé une bavette pendant une heure.
I ran into Marc and we chatted for an hour.
Inviting a friend over
Passe à la maison ce soir, on taillera une bavette !
Drop by tonight, we'll have a good long chat!
Explaining why you are late to a meeting
Désolé, j'ai dû tailler une bavette avec le directeur dans le couloir.
Sorry, I had to have a quick word with the director in the hallway.
文化的背景
The expression links the act of eating with the act of speaking, two pillars of French culture. Originating from the word 'baver' (to drool/babble), it evolved from describing children's chatter to the rhythmic movement of a butcher's knife. It highlights the French love for 'le plaisir de la table' and long-winded social connection.
The 'Bavette' Secret
While `bavette` is a steak, don't use this phrase at a butcher shop unless you actually want to talk for 20 minutes instead of buying meat!
Don't get too literal
If you say 'Je vais tailler ma bavette', people might think you are literally cutting your bib or your steak. Keep the article 'une' for the idiom.
15秒でわかる
- It means to have a long, friendly chat with someone.
- The literal meaning is 'to carve a flank steak'.
- Use it for casual social catch-ups and gossip.
What It Means
Forget the lawnmower and the shears. To tailler une bavette is simply to sit down for a long, rambling chat. It is the art of talking for the sake of talking. You aren't just saying hello. You are sharing stories and catching up on life.
How To Use It
You use it like a regular verb. Use it when you plan to see a friend. Or use it when you got distracted by a neighbor. It implies a relaxed pace. There is no rush when you taille une bavette. It is about the pleasure of the conversation itself.
When To Use It
Use it when meeting a friend for coffee. It works perfectly when describing a long phone call. You can use it at the office during a break. It fits any moment where time slows down for a talk. It feels warm and very French.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a high-stakes business meeting. It is too casual for a job interview. Avoid it if the conversation is an argument. It implies a friendly or neutral atmosphere. Don't use it for a quick 'yes' or 'no' interaction. It requires a bit of time.
Cultural Background
This phrase dates back to the 15th century. Back then, bavette referred to the bib children wore. It also meant the tongue or chatter itself. Later, it became associated with a cut of beef. The idea is that tongues move like pieces of meat being trimmed. It is a very old, classic piece of French imagery.
Common Variations
You might hear tailler le bout de gras. This is the exact equivalent of 'chewing the fat'. Both phrases focus on the 'meat' of the conversation. They are interchangeable in most casual settings. Stick to tailler une bavette for a slightly more classic feel.
使い方のコツ
It is an informal idiom that sits comfortably in everyday conversation. It is never used in formal writing, but it is very common in spoken French among friends.
The 'Bavette' Secret
While `bavette` is a steak, don't use this phrase at a butcher shop unless you actually want to talk for 20 minutes instead of buying meat!
Don't get too literal
If you say 'Je vais tailler ma bavette', people might think you are literally cutting your bib or your steak. Keep the article 'une' for the idiom.
The 'Chewing' Connection
French people love food metaphors. Just like 'chewing the fat' in English, this phrase links the physical movement of the mouth during eating to the act of talking.
例文
6J'ai croisé Marc et on a taillé une bavette pendant une heure.
I ran into Marc and we chatted for an hour.
Shows a spontaneous but long conversation.
Passe à la maison ce soir, on taillera une bavette !
Drop by tonight, we'll have a good long chat!
A warm invitation for social time.
Désolé, j'ai dû tailler une bavette avec le directeur dans le couloir.
Sorry, I had to have a quick word with the director in the hallway.
Slightly more professional but still uses the idiom to soften the delay.
On se téléphone pour tailler une bavette ?
Shall we call each other for a catch-up?
Perfect for suggesting a long catch-up call.
Elle adore tailler une bavette, même avec le boulanger !
She loves to chat, even with the baker!
Highlights someone's talkative nature.
C'était bon de tailler une bavette comme au bon vieux temps.
It was good to have a chat like in the old days.
Used to express emotional satisfaction from a talk.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
On s'assoit en terrasse pour ___ une bavette ?
The verb `tailler` (to carve/trim) is the only one used in this specific idiom.
Which word completes the phrase meaning 'to chat'?
J'ai passé l'après-midi à tailler une ___ avec ma grand-mère.
`Bavette` is the noun required; `baguette` is bread and `banane` is a banana!
🎉 スコア： /2
ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Scale of 'Tailler une bavette'
Too old-fashioned for modern street slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends, family, and neighbors.
On taille une bavette ?
A bit too colorful for a legal document.
Nous avons discuté.
Definitely avoid in a speech to the President.
N/A
Where to 'Tailler une Bavette'
At the Café
Chatting over an espresso.
Over the Fence
Gossip with the neighbor.
The Breakroom
Avoiding work with a colleague.
Sunday Dinner
Catching up with cousins.
よくある質問
10 問Not necessarily. While it can include gossip, it mostly just means having a long, friendly conversation like On a taillé une bavette sur tout et rien.
No, it is not rude. It is informal and warm, suggesting you enjoy the person's company enough to talk for a while.
Only if you have a very friendly, relaxed relationship. Otherwise, stick to discuter or échanger.
Yes! It is a classic 'grandma' phrase that has stayed popular across all generations because it sounds so charming.
Discuter is neutral. Tailler une bavette implies the conversation is leisurely and perhaps a bit long-winded.
No, you always 'carve a (single) bavette'. You wouldn't say tailler des bavettes.
No, you can tailler une bavette over the phone or even via long voice notes.
It is used all over France and in most French-speaking countries.
No, it implies a lighthearted or casual tone. You wouldn't use it for a political debate or a fight.
Then you should use avoir la main verte (to have a green thumb) instead!
関連フレーズ
Tailler le bout de gras
Bavarder
Papoter
Raconter des salades
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