French Expression of the Day: Ça tape
The long-range forecast suggests that this will be a handy phrase this summer.
Why do I need to know ça tape?
Because you might want a way to describe the feeling of walking down a long boulevard with no shade in sight...or a techno concert.
What does it mean?
Ça tape – usually pronounced sah tap - literally translates to ‘it taps’ or ‘it hits.’ The verb being used is taper, which means to hit or slap, and colloquially can be used to seek monetary support from someone. It is also the verb for 'to type.' But when spoken, this phrase does not involve violence, financial assistance, or note-taking.
Ça tape is a way to say ‘it’s scorching’ and complain about the hot weather or the search for shade. If someone uses it under a hot sun, and they say “ça tape” or “ça tape fort” they’re referring to the particularly violent, piercing heat.
It can also be used to say something is intense, particularly in relation to music. It bears a similar colloquial meaning to the English informal phrase “it hits" or "it's banging." For example, you might be at a loud concert listening to a particularly passionate DJ - this might be a good scenario to employ ‘ça tape.’
The first meaning, which refers to the heat, is more commonly used across generations, whereas the second might be heard more from a younger audience.
Use it like this
Dès que je suis sortie de l'appartement et que je suis entrée dans la rue, j'ai dit "Ça tape !" car le soleil était si fort.– As soon as I stepped out of the apartment and into the street, I said to myself “it’s blazing!” because the sun was so strong.
Ce festival est incroyable, tout le monde est dans le même esprit. Ouh t'entends cette basse ? Ça tape ! – This festival is amazing, everyone is really in the same mood. Do you hear that bass? It's banging.
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Why do I need to know ça tape?
Because you might want a way to describe the feeling of walking down a long boulevard with no shade in sight...or a techno concert.
What does it mean?
Ça tape – usually pronounced sah tap - literally translates to ‘it taps’ or ‘it hits.’ The verb being used is taper, which means to hit or slap, and colloquially can be used to seek monetary support from someone. It is also the verb for 'to type.' But when spoken, this phrase does not involve violence, financial assistance, or note-taking.
Ça tape is a way to say ‘it’s scorching’ and complain about the hot weather or the search for shade. If someone uses it under a hot sun, and they say “ça tape” or “ça tape fort” they’re referring to the particularly violent, piercing heat.
It can also be used to say something is intense, particularly in relation to music. It bears a similar colloquial meaning to the English informal phrase “it hits" or "it's banging." For example, you might be at a loud concert listening to a particularly passionate DJ - this might be a good scenario to employ ‘ça tape.’
The first meaning, which refers to the heat, is more commonly used across generations, whereas the second might be heard more from a younger audience.
Use it like this
Dès que je suis sortie de l'appartement et que je suis entrée dans la rue, j'ai dit "Ça tape !" car le soleil était si fort.– As soon as I stepped out of the apartment and into the street, I said to myself “it’s blazing!” because the sun was so strong.
Ce festival est incroyable, tout le monde est dans le même esprit. Ouh t'entends cette basse ? Ça tape ! – This festival is amazing, everyone is really in the same mood. Do you hear that bass? It's banging.
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