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“Stop braying”: what does this expression mean?

2022-05-16T10:50:31.808Z


In the north of France and in Wallonia, "bray" does not refer only to the cry of the donkey. For many of us, the verb bray characterizes the cry of the donkey, the donkey or their colts. However, in the north of France and in Wallonia, it is used instead of crying. An exasperated mother can say to her child: “ Stop braying! » or report to her husband that the little one « hasn't stopped braying all day ». Read alsoOnly a spelling virtuoso will pass this test without fail The Academy spe


For many of us, the verb bray characterizes the cry of the donkey, the donkey or their colts.

However, in the north of France and in Wallonia, it is used instead of crying.

An exasperated mother can say to her child: “

Stop braying!

» or report to her husband that the little one «

hasn't stopped braying all day

».

Read alsoOnly a spelling virtuoso will pass this test without fail

The Academy specifies that this verb “

is used only in the infinitive, with the exception of fabulists who, making donkeys talk, could use it without hesitation for other people.

»

Braire is derived, the etymological dictionaries tell us, from a popular Latin

bragere

derived from a root

brag

which is closer to the Gaelic

braigh

(to crack, to crackle).

Excerpt from

The most beautiful expressions of our regions

.

Find the entire book on our Figaro Store.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2022-05-16

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