Learning French: the origins and meaning of l’habit ne fait pas le moine

What do Pope Gregory IX, Saint Jerome and François Grimaldi have in common?

These characters are each linked to the potential origins of the French expression, l’habit ne fait pas le moine.

It is used to warn against assumptions based on appearances and dates back to the 13th Century. 

What does l’habit ne fait pas le moine mean?

This expression literally translates to: the clothes do not make the monk. 

It is used to warn or remind people that appearances can be misleading. In this case, a man dressed as a monk might not live in a monastery or be associated with the related religious practices. 

Similar expressions in English include: don’t judge a book by its cover, the clothes don’t make the man, and appearances can be deceiving. 

Read also: C'est pas le pingouin qui glisse le plus loin sur la banquise: fun French expression no. 6

What are the origins of l’habit ne fait pas le moine?

The expression dates back to the 13th Century, from the Latin phrase, 'barba non facit philosophum,' meaning: the beard does not make the philosopher. 

It is argued that the monk version of this phrase was first used by Pope Gregory IX in reaction to the behaviour of certain monks at the time, who were acting against their principles without remorse. 

In a letter, he reportedly quoted Saint Jerome saying: “It is not by the robes that we recognise the monk but by observing the order and the perfection of his life. A distinction must therefore be made between being and appearing.”

Others suppose this expression is inspired by an event in 1297, during the Genoese wars. 

François Grimaldi, a Genoese leader, disguised himself as a monk and sought refuge in a castle in Monaco. That night, he opened the gates to his army who seized the castle, ultimately leading the Grimaldi family to capture the Rock of Monaco. 

Today, this event is illustrated on the Monegasque coat of arms, which features two friars holding swords. 

Read also: Understanding 'Un de ces quatre': origins and usage of the French expression

When do you say l’habit ne fait pas le moine?

This expression is most often used as a standalone phrase in response to a statement.

It could be said as a warning in reaction to an assumption made based on a person’s appearance:

• Statement: Il a l'air si intelligent avec son costume et ses lunettes. - He looks so intelligent with his suit and glasses.

• Response: Attention ! L’habit ne fait pas le moine. - Careful! Looks can be deceiving. 

You could also use this phrase to recognise that you have misjudged someone:

• Cette personne porte des chaussures très chères, je me suis donc dit qu'elle était sûrement riche… mais bon, l’habit ne fait pas le moine. - That person wears very expensive shoes so I thought they must be rich… but hey, don’t judge a book by its cover.

It is also worth noting that it is not only used when referring to physical appearances. If someone claims to be virtuous but does not act like it, the expression could also be used. 

To whom do you say l’habit ne fait pas le moine?

This expression is considered neutral language and so can be used with family and friends or strangers and colleagues in spoken or written French.