During his recent visit to a hospital in Ariège, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed frustration over individuals he referred to as “mabouls” who argue for a severed relationship with Algeria. His comments aimed to highlight the significant contributions of foreign doctors practicing in France. Macron’s use of the old-fashioned term “maboul” drew attention, particularly considering its limited public use since 2004.
Top 10 Old-Fashioned Phrases Used by Emmanuel Macron
Macron has a distinctive habit of incorporating antiquated expressions into his speeches. These phrases resonate with his political style and evoke a sense of nostalgia. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable expressions:
1. “Poudre de perlimpinpin”
- Origin: 2017 presidential election debate
- Context: Macron used the phrase to criticize his opponent Marine Le Pen, describing her proposals as unreliable.
- Meaning: Refers to imaginary remedies offered by charlatans, akin to fool’s gold.
2. “C’est pas Gérard Majax”
- Origin: 2022 presidential debate
- Context: Macron referenced the famous magician to dismiss unrealistic claims from opponents.
- Note: The phrase may need updating for future generations, possibly shifting to “C’est pas Eric Antoine”.
3. “C’est de la pipe”
- First Mention: November 2016
- Context: Used to call out unattainable promises and misleading statements.
- Notable Quote: “Les 35 heures c’est de la pipe!”
4. “Galimatias”
- Context: Macron employed this term in debates to criticize vague or convoluted rhetoric.
- Meaning: Indicates confused speech that lacks truth, similar to modern slang such as “bullshit”.
5. “Ripoliner la façade”
- Origin: 2022 presidential debate
- Context: Macron used the phrase to describe superficial solutions.
- Historical Note: The term dates back to a 1900 novel by Colette.
6. “Avancer le schmilblick”
- Origin: Interview in May 2024
- Meaning: Refers to moving forward with a project or discussion.
- Background: The term was created by humorist Pierre Dac in 1958.
7. “J’ai passé l’hémistiche”
- Context: Used during a July 2020 interview to articulate the progress of his presidency.
- Meaning: Refers to having surpassed the midpoint in a journey or project.
8. “In petto”
- Context: Also used in the July 2020 interview.
- Meaning: Means “internally” or “in secret” in Italian.
9. “Une maïeutique”
- Context: Featured in a 2024 speech focused on ecological transition.
- Meaning: Borrowed from Socratic philosophy, it describes a method of questioning to elicit insights.
10. “In concreto”
- Context: Used during the same 2024 speech while discussing practical objectives.
- Meaning: Denotes practical application, commonly used in legal discussions.
Macron’s ability to weave these archaic phrases into modern political discourse captures both the historical depth and the evolving nature of language in French politics. These expressions not only highlight his unique communication style but also serve to engage a diverse audience.
