As I wrote the literal translation for the French idiom du jour, I learned the proper name for the fish called “Merlan” in French.

For some reason I tend to mix and match the French and American names for the countless varieties of fish.

YEUX DE MERLAN FRIT

FRIED WHITING EYES

MOON EYES

Since the end of the 19^th century this expression is used to describe the adoring and a little stupid way people in love can sometimes look at each other.

In the 18^th century the comparison was made with a carp and not a whiting.

This kind of look was especially used in old silent movies.

I find the English expression a little more accurate than the French one, although the literal translation made me smile.

P.S. The fish above is not a Merlan or a Whiting but a bass, caught (and released) by my son at our Maine cabin last summer.

See you tomorrow!