Learning French: why chouette does not always refer to owls
This cool word with a double meaning will make your head spin
Chouette: a term that can both refer to an owl and describe something awesome
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Some French learners might recognise chouette as the translation of ‘owl’, while others will associate it with describing something cool or awesome.
This multipurpose word has glided its way into popular positive vocabulary.
We look at the Old French origins behind it and explore more synonyms to use in everyday casual conversations… you are sure to find them completely chouette.
What does chouette mean?
In French, une chouette refers to an owl, however this word is also often used as an adjective to describe something awesome.
You might say this as a positive reaction to a piece of good news.
Synonyms include:
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What are the origins of chouette?
In Old French, the verb choeter meant: to be coquettish or flirty.
It was especially used in relation to women, as illustrated in the 16th Century by François Rabelais in one of Les Cinq livres des faits et dits de Gargantua et Pantagruel (The Five Books of the Lives and Deeds of Gargantua and Pantagruel).
One of Rabelais' characters, Panurge, described his wife as being “comme une belle petite chouette” (like a beautiful little owl), connecting the idea of choeter and chouette.
This could be compared to the outdated onomatopoeic use of 'twit-twoo' in English, mimicking the sound of an owl to imply that you find someone attractive.
An alternative theory relates to the ancient Greek Goddess Athena, who embodies the ideal of wisdom. The owl is one of the most recognised animal symbols associated with Athena, due to its characteristics of foresight and knowledge.
Both theories lead us to the everyday use of chouette in casual French, referring to anything or anyone beautiful, bright or joyous.
When do you say chouette?
You can say this as a standalone response to hearing a piece of good news:
It can also be said more generally to describe something positive:
Read also: Learning French: tout est bon dans le cochon and other pig expressions
To whom do you say chouette?
It is neutral language, however this word should mainly be used with friends and family in more casual contexts.
It can be used by all ages and is usually heard in spoken French, however you may also see it written in texts or informal messages.
Read also: Learning French: what does nickel mean and when should it be used?
