Learning French
Cela ne vaut pas un coup de cidre is a topical expression in France
A useful saying for the festive season when hot cider is served in markets
This cider-based French phrase describes something completely worthless
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The arrival of December means Christmas markets will be popping up in towns and cities across the country. When passing through the village gourmand, keep an eye out for the large copper cauldrons filled with warm cider.
We look at a cider-themed expression that the French use to describe something completely worthless.
What does cela ne vaut pas un coup de cidre mean?
The saying literally translates as: this is not worth a shot of cider.
It is used to describe something worthless or of little value. It is closely linked to the French phrase: cela ne vaut pas le coup, with people sometimes confusing coup for coût (cost).
The expression is most often employed to emphasise that food or drink is particularly tasteless. It can also imply that you consider something to be unimpressive or of low quality.
Related phrases include:
Cela ne vaut pas un clou – This is not worth a penny
Cela ne vaut pas la peine – This is not worth the effort/stress
Cela vaut que dalle - This is not worth anything
Cela ne vaut pas un pet de lapin – This is worthless
Cela ne vaut pas une cacahuète – This is not worth a peanut
What are the origins of cela ne vaut pas un coup de cidre?
The popular expression ça vaut le coup (it is worth it) first appeared in the realm of 18th Century dice games. A coup de dés referred to a ‘roll of the dice’, leading to the phrase: tenter le coup (to try your luck). Little by little, the term coup became associated with the idea of taking a risk.
By extension, ça ne vaut pas le coup refers to something that is not worth putting at risk and potentially losing.
The origins behind the cider variation are unclear, however it is likely that the phrase stems from a play-on-words of coup. This term has many meanings in French, and can also describe taking a drink.
The reference to a coup de cidre could come from the Brittany region of France where cider is the traditional drink and was once the region’s most widely consumed beverage as it was particularly inexpensive.
When do you say cela ne vaut pas un coup de cidre?
Say this when describing something with little value:
Goûte ce vin. Cela ne vaut pas un coup de cidre. – Taste this wine. I can tell you now, it is not worth anything.
J’ai écouté son nouvel album récemment. Ça ne vaut vraiment pas un coup de cidre. – I listened to his new album recently. It is not anything special.
To whom do you say cela ne vaut pas un coup de cidre?
It is colloquial language that should mainly be used with friends and family, but could also be said in professional situations if judged appropriate.
Depending on the context, some people could take offence at being told something is worthless.
You are most likely hear this said out loud rather than see it in writing.
If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com
