The origins and meaning of chat échaudé craint l'eau froide

Negative experiences can sometimes have a long-term impact on a person’s behaviour or attitude.

We look at when and how to use it to describe someone who exercises excess caution.

What does chat échaudé craint l'eau froide mean?

It literally translates as: a cat scorched by hot water fears cold water.

It is similar to the English expressions: 

• Once bitten, twice shy

• Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me

The saying is used to suggest that someone takes excess caution – usually as a result of a difficult or traumatic experience. 

In this case, the metaphor indicates that after being scalded by burning water, this particular cat now avoids all forms of water – when it should only fear boiling water.

What are the origins of chat échaudé craint l'eau froide?

Cats typically dislike water, which could explain their place in this expression. However, the original version of the phrase, which dates back to the Middle Ages, does not feature a cat at all.

L'échaudé craint l'eau (the scorched one fears water) was first used in the 12th Century, appearing in the Roman de Renart – a collection of animal tales written in Old French by several different authors. 

The chat appeared in the 13th Century and froide was added in the 16th Century. 

In 1611, English lexicographer, Randle Cotgrave, included the expression in A Dictionarie of the French and English Tongues, published in 1611, suggesting its adoption in everyday speech.

When do you say chat échaudé craint l'eau froide?

You say this when a negative experience impacts a person’s long-term behaviour or attitude:

• Ma petite sœur a rompu avec son copain et maintenant elle dit qu'elle ne parlera plus jamais à un autre garçon. Un chat échaudé craint l'eau froide. – My little sister broke up with her boyfriend and now she says she will never speak to another boy again.

However, it is most often used as a standalone reaction to a statement:

• Statement: Depuis son accident de voiture, il n'est plus capable de prendre le volant, ni même de monter dans un taxi. – Since the car accident, he has not been able to get behind the wheel, or even take a taxi.

• Response: Chat échaudé craint l'eau froide. - Once bitten, twice shy. 

To whom do you say chat échaudé craint l'eau froide?

It is neutral language that can be said in any context, whether formally with colleagues and strangers, or informally with friends and family.

The phrase is typically used to describe other people, but not to their face, and can also be used in more lighthearted or tongue-in-cheek situations.

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