Learning French: when and why would we describe someone as un Bisounours?

Care Bears: the cartoon team of rainbow teddies with adorable names to match their magical powers, spreading positivity to counteract evil. 

We look at why being called a Bisounours in France has developed from a cute compliment to a cruel criticism.

What does être un Bisounours mean?

Être un Bisounours literally translates as: to be a Care Bear. 

If you describe someone as being a Bisounours, you are implying they are very kind and loving but often naively optimistic - existing in a utopia of magical joy where no evil exists.

A variation of this expression is: vivre dans le monde des Bisounours (to live in the land of Care Bears), or on n’est pas chez les Bisounours (we are not in the land of Care Bears). 

Despite having positive connotations on the surface, this phrase is actually more commonly used sarcastically to criticise or discredit a person’s rose-tinted outlook, particularly in a political context. 

Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of être Gros-Jean comme devant

What are the origins of être un Bisounours?

The origins of this phrase stem from the French translation of the Care Bears brand. The brand name is a contraction of bisou (kiss) and nounours (teddy bears). 

The Care Bears were popular in the 1980s, particularly due to the cartoon television show. Before long, every child wanted a rainbow teddy bear to match the magical ones seen on screen.

People gradually began to use the angelic nature of the brand to criticise or mock those with an idealistic world view, suggesting they should gain consciousness of life’s darker aspects.

Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of fada

When do you say être un Bisounours?

Use this saying when describing someone who is cute, innocent and kind:

• Tu vas adorer mon petit frère, c'est un petit Bisounours. - You are going to love my little brother, he is a sweetie pie. 

It can also be used with more critical and sarcastic undertones to suggest someone is naively optimistic:

• Tu devrais peut-être descendre du pays des Bisounours et te confronter à la réalité. - You might want to come down from the land of make believe and get back to reality.

Read also: Learning French: when and why do we say être dans de beaux draps?

To whom do you say être un Bisounours?

It is colloquial language and can be used with a range of people in formal or informal contexts.

Pay attention to your tone of voice when using this phrase as it can come across as being mocking and critical.