s'en battre l'œil
To mock
직역: To beat one's eye with it
Use it to playfully or dismissively show you don't care about a trivial topic with friends.
15초 만에
- Expresses total indifference or lack of interest.
- Equivalent to 'I don't care' or 'Whatever'.
- Informal but not inherently vulgar or offensive.
뜻
It means you couldn't care less about something. You're showing total indifference or dismissing something as completely unimportant.
주요 예문
3 / 6Reacting to celebrity news
Le divorce de cette star ? Je m'en bats l'œil !
That star's divorce? I couldn't care less!
Discussing a rainy forecast for a day indoors
Il va pleuvoir demain ? On s'en bat l'œil, on reste au ciné.
It's going to rain tomorrow? Who cares, we're staying at the cinema.
A bossy colleague giving unwanted advice (to a friend later)
Il m'a dit comment ranger mes dossiers, mais je m'en bats l'œil.
He told me how to file my folders, but I don't give a damn.
문화적 배경
Originating in the 1800s, this idiom reflects the French flair for using body parts to express apathy. While the 'eye' version is relatively mild, it belongs to a family of 'beating' expressions that range from casual to highly offensive.
The 'En' is Key
Never forget the `en`. If you say `Je me bats l'œil`, it sounds like you are physically hitting your own eye. Ouch!
The Vulgar Trap
Be careful when searching for this online. You will find much ruder versions involving anatomy. Stick to `l'œil` to stay polite-ish.
15초 만에
- Expresses total indifference or lack of interest.
- Equivalent to 'I don't care' or 'Whatever'.
- Informal but not inherently vulgar or offensive.
What It Means
Imagine someone tells you something boring. You don't just ignore it. You actively show you don't care. S'en battre l'œil is exactly that. It means to be completely indifferent. It is like saying 'I don't give a hoot.' You are essentially saying the topic is worthless. It is more colorful than a simple je m'en fiche.
How To Use It
The phrase uses the reflexive pronoun se. You also need the adverbial pronoun en. The full structure is subject + s'en bat + l'œil. For example: Je m'en bats l'œil. It functions like a verb of emotion. Use it when a topic feels irrelevant to you. It is punchy and very French.
When To Use It
Use it with friends during a casual chat. Use it when someone gives unsolicited advice. It works well when discussing celebrity gossip. It is perfect for reacting to minor inconveniences. If your favorite bakery is closed, you might say it. It shows a bit of 'cool' detachment.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your boss. It is too dismissive for professional settings. Avoid it during a serious romantic argument. It might come off as cold or rude. Do not use it with elderly strangers. They might find it a bit vulgar. Keep it for people you know well.
Cultural Background
This phrase dates back to the 19th century. The 'eye' represents something small and delicate. 'Beating' it implies a repetitive, pointless action. It suggests the matter is not worth a blink. It captures the famous French 'nonchalance'. It is about protecting your peace of mind. It has survived because it sounds quite rhythmic.
Common Variations
You will often hear je m'en bats les couilles. Warning: that version is very vulgar. A softer version is je m'en bats l'œil et le reste. Some people just say je m'en bats. Stick to the 'eye' version to stay safe. It is the perfect middle ground for learners.
사용 참고사항
This is a classic 'B2 level' idiom because it shows you understand the nuances of French register. It's safe for casual social life but keep it out of the boardroom.
The 'En' is Key
Never forget the `en`. If you say `Je me bats l'œil`, it sounds like you are physically hitting your own eye. Ouch!
The Vulgar Trap
Be careful when searching for this online. You will find much ruder versions involving anatomy. Stick to `l'œil` to stay polite-ish.
The Shrug Factor
To sound truly French, pair this phrase with a 'Gallic Shrug'—raise your shoulders, turn out your palms, and pout your lips slightly.
예시
6Le divorce de cette star ? Je m'en bats l'œil !
That star's divorce? I couldn't care less!
Shows the topic is unworthy of your attention.
Il va pleuvoir demain ? On s'en bat l'œil, on reste au ciné.
It's going to rain tomorrow? Who cares, we're staying at the cinema.
Dismissing a minor problem that won't affect plans.
Il m'a dit comment ranger mes dossiers, mais je m'en bats l'œil.
He told me how to file my folders, but I don't give a damn.
Expressing independence and dismissal of authority.
T'as raté la fête ? - Grave, mais je m'en bats l'œil, j'étais fatigué.
You missed the party? - Totally, but I don't care, I was tired.
Short, punchy text usage.
Plus de chou frisé au magasin ? Je m'en bats l'œil, je préfère les frites !
No more kale at the store? I don't care, I prefer fries!
Uses the phrase for comedic hyperbole.
C'est un détail technique dont on se bat l'œil pour le moment.
That's a technical detail we don't need to care about for now.
Slightly edgy but used to refocus the conversation.
셀프 테스트
Complete the sentence to show you don't care about the score of a game.
Le score final ? Je ___ bats l'œil !
The phrase always requires the adverbial pronoun 'en' to refer to the topic you don't care about.
Choose the correct verb form for 'we don't care'.
On s'en ___ l'œil.
With the subject 'on', the verb 'battre' is conjugated in the third person singular.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of Indifference
Cela m'est égal
It is all the same to me.
Je m'en fiche
I don't care.
S'en battre l'œil
I don't give a hoot.
S'en battre les...
I don't give a [beep].
When to use S'en battre l'œil
Bad weather
Il pleut ? On s'en bat l'œil.
Gossip
Leurs histoires ? Je m'en bats l'œil.
Fashion
C'est démodé ? Je m'en bats l'œil.
Minor rules
Pas de cravate ? On s'en bat l'œil.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It is informal, not necessarily rude. It depends on who you are talking to; with friends, it's fine, but with a teacher, it's disrespectful.
Absolutely not. In an email, use Cela n'a pas d'importance or Peu importe.
Historically, it refers to something of very little value, like a 'blink' of attention that you refuse to give.
Yes, but Je m'en fous is slightly more common and a tiny bit more aggressive. S'en battre l'œil is more idiomatic.
Yes, you can say Je m'en bats l'œil de lui (I don't care about him), though it sounds quite harsh.
It's mostly used in France. In Quebec, they have their own colorful variations like S'en moquer comme de l'an quarante.
It's Je m'en suis battu l'œil. Note that battu does not agree with the subject here.
Yes, often people flick their fingers under their chin or simply shrug while saying it.
The most polite way is Cela m'est égal or Comme vous voulez.
No, it must be reflexive: Je m'en bats l'œil. The se and en are mandatory.
관련 표현
Je m'en fiche
I don't care (Neutral/Informal)
S'en moquer comme de sa première chemise
To not care at all (Literal: like one's first shirt)
Peu importe
It doesn't matter
Je m'en fous
I don't give a damn (Informal/Stronger)
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