Learning French: the origins and meaning of être dans la force de l’âge
A saying to describe being in the prime of life
In France, you are considered to be dans la force de l’âge at around 50 years old
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One French phrase that is never on vocabulary lists at school, is: être dans la force de l’âge.
It means ‘to be in the prime of life’, or ‘at the top of your game’ – a subject, with good reason, that is barely on the radar of most youngsters.
But exactly which age range, according to the French, does one need to sit within in order to be included in such esteemed company?
Surprisingly, perhaps, it is actually the middle-aged (around 50 years old, or ‘autour de la cinquantaine’) who are deemed to be in their prime, not twenty-, thirty-, or even forty-somethings.
Read also: Learning French: when and why do we say chaque chose en son temps
Le Moyen Age is the French term for the Middle Ages (the medieval period between Antiquity and the Renaissance, or the beginning of the 5th to the end of the 14th Century), while l’âge moyen means average age.
According to statistics from INSEE, France’s institute for statistics and economic studies, the average age in France is now 42.7 years old (women 44.1, men 41.3) – compared to 40.7 (women 42.1, men 39.3) just a decade ago.
What are the origins of être dans la force de l’âge?
As for the etymology of force in this context, it stems from the Latin fortia, meaning act of bravery. Furthermore, the word implies vigour, physical, mental, intellectual or sexual energy!
The phrase ‘dans la force de l’âge’ gained new momentum in the French language thanks to writer Simone de Beauvoir, who published the second volume of her autobiography, La force de l’âge, in 1960.
The ‘prime’ of her life in the book refers to the 10 years prior to 1939 and the outbreak of war, when she was enjoying freedom, teaching and travelling.
Read also: Learning French: what does ça va aller mean and when should it be used?
When do you say être dans la force de l’âge?
Say this to refer to a period of life when you feel you are on top form:
You might also hear the variation: être dans la fleur de l’âge (literally, to be in the flower of age).
Read also: Learning French: what does paumé mean and when should it be used?
To whom do you say être dans la force de l’âge?
It is neutral, poetic language that can be used in a range of situations, usually when referring to someone around the age of 50 years old.
The saying is generally said as a positive compliment, however some people can be sensitive about the subject of age.
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
