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HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Il y a du monde au balcon: Fun French expression no. 8

Some link this to theatre imagery - can you guess what it might signify?

A group of friends on a balcony drinking together
This expression actually has nothing to do with how busy a balcony is
William Upton William Upton
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The French language has seemingly no end of creative, colourful expressions used to describe all sorts of things. The eighth entry in our series of fun expressions is proof of that. 

Il y a du monde au balcon

Literal translation: there are lots of people on the balcony 

With no context, it may be difficult to guess what this means. 

If you see a woman in the street, a friend might comment to you Il y a du monde au balcon in a conspiratorial tone. They are telling you that the woman has large breasts.

It is a very informal expression. It is not exactly clear where the expression originates from but many link it to the theatre. The balconies in the theatre were round and protruded from the side, leading some people to make a mental comparison with breasts. 

It appeared in the 19th century. 

Read more: C'est pas le pingouin qui glisse le plus loin sur la banquise: Fun French expression no. 6

Read more: Mettre les pieds dans le plat: Fun French expression no. 5

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