
Toulouse is brimming not only with architectural treasures, but also with words and expressions that reflect the soul of its inhabitants. Because the inhabitants of the pink city are also rich in language, here are 10 Toulouse expressions you need to know to speak like a true local. Whether you’re here for a short stay or a longer one, adopting Toulouse vocabulary will always win you points with the locals!
1. Boudu con!
Boudu con is a must-have expression for expressing astonishment or indignation. In Toulouse, it’s used for just about everything: a surprise, an exclamation in the face of an unexpected situation, or even a gentle grumble.
2. À m’en donné
À m’en donné simply means “at a given moment”. Need I tell you more about À m’en donné?
3. Roumeguer
If you hear someone roumeguer, you know they’re grumbling. This Occitan verb is used in the South-West to designate a person who complains or grumbles, often in a good-natured way.
4. Chocolatine
Ah, the famous chocolatine! It’s impossible to talk about Toulouse without mentioning this legendary pastry. Here, you don’t order a “pain au chocolat“, you order a chocolatine, a true marker of the identity of the South-West.
5. Ça pègue
When we say ” ça pègue”, we mean “it sticks”. Very useful in Toulouse in summer, when the heat becomes overwhelming and everything becomes a little stickier than usual. An expression that applies to situations as well as objects (the floor at Tonton’s, for example).
6. Macarel
Macarel is an exclamation similar to “mince” or “zut”. Toulousans use it to express frustration or surprise. It’s a word that’s both familiar and steeped in history, since its origins lie in Occitan swear words.
7. C’est le pompon sur la Garonne
This colourful expression, c’est le pompon sur la Garonne, means that something has gone beyond the bounds of reason, a bit like the famous “c’est la goutte d’eau qui fait déborder le vase”, but with a Toulouse twist.
8. The trunk
In Toulouse, we don’t say “the trunk of the car”, we say “the trunk”. An ancient term that’s still very much alive in the local vocabulary. So don’t forget to put your stuff in the trunk before you leave!
9. A pocket
Here, a pocket is not a trouser compartment but a plastic bag! If you go shopping, you’ll probably be offered “a pocket” to carry your purchases.
10. Té!
Té! is a little exclamation you’ll hear a lot in Toulouse. It’s a word of astonishment or approval, often used at the beginning of a sentence. It can also mean “look!” or “here!”.
Voila, now you’re ready!