French Phrase of the Day: Avoir du peps
avoir du peps?
Because
if you woke up on the right side of the bed, then this might be the French expression for you.
What does it mean?
Avoir du peps
- roughly pronounced ah-vwar due peps - translates as 'to have peps'.
The phrase means 'to be enthusiastic or energetic'. You can use this expression in a variety of circumstances.
For example, if your French colleague arrives at work for the early-morning shift in a good mood, they might say
Je n'ai même pas besoin de café. J'ai du peps ce matin
(I don't even need a coffee. I have plenty of energy this morning).
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If you want an alternative, you could also use either the phrase
être plein d'energie
or
être en forme.
As for the origins of
avoir du peps
, if you suspected an anglicism, you would be correct.
The French word
peps
comes from the English word 'pepper' (
poivre
in French). In the 19th century, 'pepper' began to be used figuratively to mean 'spirit' or 'energy' in the English-speaking world.
'Pepper' was eventually shortened to 'pep', which is still used in English when discussing things like 'pep rallies' (events to inspire enthusiasm), 'pep talks' (discussions to bring someone's energy up), or a 'peppy' person (energetic person).
The word 'pep' made its way into the French language in the 20th century and inspired the phrase
avoir du peps,
which is still commonly used.
Use it like this
Je suis allé nager avant d'aller travailler. J'ai du peps aujourd'hui ! -
I went swimming before going to work. I feel energised today!
C'était une personne formidable à inviter à la fête. Elle a apporté du peps... et un délicieux gâteau. -
She was a great person to invite to the party. She brought plenty of energy…and a delicious cake.
Je pense que tu devrais peindre les murs en jaune. Ça donnera du peps à la pièce. Pour l'instant, c'est un peu triste.
- I think you should paint the walls yellow. That will bring some energy to the room. At the moment it's a little sad-looking.
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French Phrase of the Day: Avoir du peps
Why do I need to know avoir du peps? Because if you woke up on the right side of the bed, then this might be the French expression for you. What does it mean? Avoir du peps - roughly pronounced ah-vwar due peps - translates as 'to have peps'. The phrase means 'to be enthusiastic or energetic'. You can use this expression in a variety of circumstances. For example, if your French colleague arrives at work for the early-morning shift in a good mood, they might say Je n'ai même pas besoin de café. J'ai du peps ce matin (I don't even need a coffee. I have plenty of energy this morning). Advertisement If you want an alternative, you could also use either the phrase être plein d'energie or être en forme. As for the origins of avoir du peps , if you suspected an anglicism, you would be correct. The French word peps comes from the English word 'pepper' ( poivre in French). In the 19th century, 'pepper' began to be used figuratively to mean 'spirit' or 'energy' in the English-speaking world. 'Pepper' was eventually shortened to 'pep', which is still used in English when discussing things like 'pep rallies' (events to inspire enthusiasm), 'pep talks' (discussions to bring someone's energy up), or a 'peppy' person (energetic person). The word 'pep' made its way into the French language in the 20th century and inspired the phrase avoir du peps, which is still commonly used. Use it like this Je suis allé nager avant d'aller travailler. J'ai du peps aujourd'hui ! - I went swimming before going to work. I feel energised today! C'était une personne formidable à inviter à la fête. Elle a apporté du peps... et un délicieux gâteau. - She was a great person to invite to the party. She brought plenty of energy…and a delicious cake. Je pense que tu devrais peindre les murs en jaune. Ça donnera du peps à la pièce. Pour l'instant, c'est un peu triste. - I think you should paint the walls yellow. That will bring some energy to the room. At the moment it's a little sad-looking.
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