Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir la moutarde qui monte au nez

Have you ever tried Dijon mustard? The French city of Dijon was the capital of mustard-making in the late Middle Ages.

Many people love the pungent smell, tangy flavour and spicy kick of this traditional condiment, while others get hot under the collar at the mere sight of it.

You might even say, they have la moutarde qui monte au nez !

We look at the origins behind this punchy mustard phrase and explain how you can use it to express your anger in casual French conversations.

What does avoir la moutarde qui monte au nez mean?

It literally translates as: to have mustard going up your nose

This metaphor is really used to describe getting angry, fuming or bothered by a particularly frustrating situation. 

Similar expressions include:

• Se mettre en boule - To lose your rag

• Se mettre en colère - To lose your temper 

• Perdre son calme - To lose your cool

• Prendre la mouche - To get hot under the collar

Read more:  Seven ways to complain like a French person

What are the origins of it?

This expression dates back to the 17th Century, although it existed before then in the form of: la moutarde me/lui entre au nez (mustard is entering my/their nose).

Various sources attribute the origins of this phrase to the condiment’s sharp taste and smell, which can irritate people’s senses. The closer to the nose it gets, the more unpleasant it is.

The expression therefore compares mustard’s typical ‘kick’ to the physical rise in body temperature that can accompany an emotional build-up of anger. 

When do you say it?

Say this when something gets you riled up:

• La moutarde me monte au nez quand je vois des gens jeter des déchets dans la nature. - It drives me mad when I see people dropping litter in nature.

You can also use it to describe other people who are getting more and more angry:

• Après avoir été mis en attente au téléphone pendant une heure, mon père avait la moutarde qui lui montait au nez. - After being put on hold for an hour, my dad was seriously starting to lose his rag. 

Read more: 'C'est pas rien': Why nothing is a powerful word in French

To whom do you say it?

It is considered colloquial language that can be used with friends and family to describe rising anger or frustration.

You should avoid saying it in formal or professional settings as in some cases it could be considered inappropriate. 

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com