The expression avoir la langue bien pendue translates literally to “to have a well hanging tongue” and means to be a gossip, to be chatty or have a sharp tongue.
avoir la langue bien pendue
Expression origin
This expression is said to date back to the Middle Ages when people were hanged for making inappropriate or insulting remarks towards the authorities.
Example sentences
Patty a la langue bien pendue : elle parle dans le dos de tout le monde.
Patty is a gossip. She talks behind everybody’s back.
This sentence uses the slang verb déconner, which means to mess around or act silly.
L’élève a la langue bien pendue et est toujours en train de déconner en cours.
The student has a sharp tongue and is always acting out in class.
Related lessons
- La langue – tongue, language
- Tout le monde – everybody
- Bavarder – to chat
- Cours – lesson, class, course
- En train de – doing
- Toujours – always
References
French expressions | Lessons by David Issokson
