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French Expression of the Day: Bon vent

Why do I need to know the expression bon vent ? Because this multifaceted phrase can be used to express many things. What does it mean? Bon vent (pronounced bon von) can be used to mean "goodbye/travel well". It is an old nautical expression that dates back to a time when ships were predominantly powered by the wind ( vent in French). If the wind was blowing strong and headed in the right direction, sailors were more likely to arrive at their destination in good time. In its modern usage it is therefore roughly the same as bon voyage - have a good trip/hope your journey goes well - but can also be used in a wider sense to wish someone good luck in a new project or enterprise. In this sense it's roughly similar to 'godspeed' in English. It's mostly used in the positive sense, but it can also have a sarcastic usage. Advertisement For example when the porn website Pornhub announced that it was suspending operations in France in protest at new age verification laws, the minister for digital affairs responded by saying Je leur dis bon vent - I say to them bon vent , or perhaps a better translation would be something like 'I say goodbye and good luck'. Also in the less positive sense, it can be used ironically to tell someone to go away. Be careful with your tone of voice to avoid any confusion. Use it like this Je te souhaite bon vent - I wish you good travels Si c'est tout ce que vous voulez, bon vent - If that is everything you need, goodbye Vas-y! Bon vent! - Get out of here! Synonyms Bon voyage Au revoir