Why do I need to know the word cartonner?
Because it is important to recognise achievement.
What does it mean?
Cartonner, pronounced “car-tohn-eh”, commonly translates as “to achieve success” or “to gain popularity”.
It is thought to have come from the funfairs of the mid 20th century when visitors would shoot pellet rifles at cardboard (carton) targets. Faire un carton was the phrase used to say that you had hit the mark.
It very much a colloquial expression.
Use it like this
Mon nouvel album a cartonné – My new album has been a hit
Elle a cartonné à ses exams – She has done well in her exams
Tu vas cartonner – You will be successful
Je cartonne en maths – I am great at maths
Ça cartonne – That is a hit
Plus ça cartonne, plus on a d’opportunité comme travailler avec des marques – The more this becomes popular, the more opportunities we have to work with brands
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See also on The Local:
Other carton phrases
Carton rouge/jaune – A red/yellow card [sport]
Être cartonné par les critiques – To be attacked by critics
Prendre un carton – To receive a hefty bill
Rester dans les cartons – To describe an idea or project that never went beyond the planning stage
Taper le carton – To play cards
J’ai cartonné en voiture – I had a car crash
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