maude Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 we have been told that to wish someone "bon apetit" such as on a campsite or picnic area ,as we have been,is not a la francais and is construed to be a "bad" joke according to our doctor in general converation.Can someone please enlighten us.Maude-more confused! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5-element Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Well, that's the first time I have heard this. Are you sure it is not your doctor who is having a joke at your expense?Bon appétit is a very normal thing to say in many circumstances, including on a campsite and in a picnic area. Unless you take a tannoy to turn it into a general annoucement. I really cannot think when it is bad étiquette, but am open to suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert the InfoGipsy Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 I've heard all my (very bourgeois) french relatives say it for the last 30-odd years, so it would appear to be pretty normal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Perhaps your Doctor has met Delboy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybananasbrother Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Perhaps meals cooked on a barbie, camp stove, ship's stove or open fire do not count as food. Which is largely true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchie Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 " Bon appétit " is perfectly normal, in a restaurant, on a picnic, etc...The only joke I know ( learnt it a t my school) is saying quickly " bande d'abrutis " instead.......... ( but even then it is a joke, not meant to be nasty) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Animal Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 That would be good when you arrive and walk through the tables in a very classy restaurant! [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchie Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 [;-)][:D][:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 Frenchie, what a naughty thing to say and I could just imagine the look on people's faces! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprogster Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 The problem is everytime I hear this said I immediately think of John Cleese and the famous Fawlty Towers sketch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscar Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 We once had a very, very classy Frenh lawyer stay with us and he said bon appetit. At the start of the next course we said "bon continuation" cos that's what they say around here and he did tell us that was a bit crass, but nothing wrong with "bon appetit" in his eyes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 [quote user="Sprogster"]The problem is everytime I hear this said I immediately think of John Cleese and the famous Fawlty Towers sketch![/quote]Sprogster, which of the Fawlty Towers sketches? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 What does "bande d'abrutis" mean, Frenchie, I don't know any naughty words in French!!A friend of mine always says when you wish him "bonne appetit". For goodnes sake don't wish me that, I am fat enough! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybananasbrother Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 bunch of cretins? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 morons? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 I can picture the Fawlty towers sketch, I think he may have hissed under his breath whilst smiling subserviently "bunch of peasants" or something equally cutting.Frenchie, congrats for you are the one today who caused me to dust off my dictionary [:D]And it was worth it! [;-)]EdittedHave you (Frenchie) ever seen any Fawlty Towers programes? My ex French teacher loved the series and I managed to find a boxed set of videos for her at a car boot sale hidden amongst the normal tat on sale, also a Mr Bean set which she liked and now her children love watching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 I too had read a few years back and had since heard somewhere that it wasn't good form and was considered "common" to polite French society to wish someone "bon apetit". [8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Thankfully one can still have manners without living amongst "polite French society"Bon continuation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 [quote] Thankfully one can still have manners without living amongst "polite French society"Bon continuation![/quote]ta. [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchie Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 [quote user="J.R gone native"] Frenchie, congrats for you are the one today who caused me to dust off my dictionary [:D] Ahhhh makes me happy ! Have you (Frenchie) ever seen any Fawlty Towers programes? My ex French teacher loved the series and I managed to find a boxed set of videos for her at a car boot sale hidden amongst the normal tat on sale, also a Mr Bean set which she liked and now her children love watching.[/quote]No, I haven't ever seen any Fawlty Towers programmes.. ( But Mr Bean I know..)I don't know if I'll be as lucky as you at the next car boot sale.... [8-)][;-)]And I'm teaching no one French... [:(][:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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