This journey through the alphabet is a fun way to show how expressions don’t always have an equivalent when translated, and also to illustrate how literal translations always sound awkward.

POSER UN LAPIN

TO SET A RABBIT DOWN

TO STAND SOMEBODY UP

The expression, dating from the late 19^th century, was first used when someone didn’t pay for a service or a favor. Over the years it lost this initial meaning. Poser un lapin is now simply used when someone doesn’t respect a prior engagement and doesn’t show up at an appointment, leaving you waiting for nothing.

A note about appointment: There is only one word in French for Appointment and this is Rendez-vous (hyphenated).

The French call to book a rendez-vous with their dentist, physician, hair stylist, their children’s teachers, friends, and special ones.

Returning to “Poser un Lapin”, do you know of a better way to say “Stand Somebody Up” in English?

Et vous les français, est-ce qu’une nouvelle expression a remplacé celle ci?

See you tomorrow!