Learning French
Learning French: what does sécher les cours mean and when should it be used?
Finding the link between ink and bunking off school
Where does this school-themed phrase come from?
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September marks la rentrée in France with millions of children and young people returning to classrooms across the country.
We look at a school-themed French phrase that you hopefully won’t be hearing this academic year.
What does sécher les cours mean?
This phrase literally translates as ‘to dry classes’ but it actually means to skive off school.
It implies that someone is missing lessons without a valid excuse or appointment.
Other English synonyms include: playing truant or bunking off.
What are the origins of sécher les cours?
It is said to date back to when inkwells were fixed into school desks and so when pupils did not attend class, their ink would ‘dry up’ (sécher).
Aller à l'école bussionnière (literally: to go to school in a bush) is another similar expression that originated in the 16th Century when Lutheran priests had difficulty preaching in public due to Catholic opposition. They therefore resorted to building clandestine schools in surrounding forests and fields, rather than in a classroom.
Equally, the expression faire le mur (literally: to make/do the wall), means to leave a place without permission and is often used in the context of playing truant, especially with boarding schools and sneaking out at night. It was inspired by old prison escapes or soldiers leaving their barracks against orders.
When do you say sécher les cours?
Say this to refer to the idea of not attending lessons:
Ma mère était tellement en colère quand elle a découvert que j'avais séché les cours. - My mum was so angry when she found out I had played truant.
J'ai séché les cours pour faire la queue toute la journée afin d'être au premier rang pour un concert. - I skipped school to wait in line all day to be in the front row for a concert.
To whom do you say sécher les cours?
It is colloquial language and can be used with friends and family.
It remains quite informal. A more neutral way of expressing this idea would be to say: ne pas aller aux cours (to not go to lessons).
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
