French Word of the Day: Picoler
This is something the French government does not want you to be doing too much over Christmas.
Why do I need to know the word picoler?
Because if it wasn't for Covid, you would probably be doing this at your French office Christmas party. Some people find that drinking actually improves their language abilities.
What does it mean?
Picoler (pronounced peek-oh-lay) is a verb that means "to drink to excess".
The origins of this word date back to the 19th century, when Italian-run taverns in France would sell small glasses of wine, known as piccolos.
The French government has called on people to avoid social gatherings, including Christmas parties, until the fifth wave of the pandemic has passed. So if you want to picoler, you're best off doing it in private.
Use it like this
À la fête de Noël, nous devrions picoler gratos - At the Christmas party, we should be able to drink for free.
Ce n'est pas pour picoler. C'est juste que j’ai soif - I am not getting drunk. I'm just thirsty.
On ne peut pas picoler en boîte de nuit à cause de la pandémie - We cannot get drunk in the club because of the pandemic.
Synonyms
Pinter
Biberonner
Prendre une cuite
Se prendre une murge
READ ALSO ‘I broke my face’: How to say you’ve had too much to drink in French
Comments
See Also
Why do I need to know the word picoler?
Because if it wasn't for Covid, you would probably be doing this at your French office Christmas party. Some people find that drinking actually improves their language abilities.
What does it mean?
Picoler (pronounced peek-oh-lay) is a verb that means "to drink to excess".
The origins of this word date back to the 19th century, when Italian-run taverns in France would sell small glasses of wine, known as piccolos.
The French government has called on people to avoid social gatherings, including Christmas parties, until the fifth wave of the pandemic has passed. So if you want to picoler, you're best off doing it in private.
Use it like this
À la fête de Noël, nous devrions picoler gratos - At the Christmas party, we should be able to drink for free.
Ce n'est pas pour picoler. C'est juste que j’ai soif - I am not getting drunk. I'm just thirsty.
On ne peut pas picoler en boîte de nuit à cause de la pandémie - We cannot get drunk in the club because of the pandemic.
Synonyms
Pinter
Biberonner
Prendre une cuite
Se prendre une murge
READ ALSO ‘I broke my face’: How to say you’ve had too much to drink in French
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.