Learning French
The origins and meaning of madame est servie
A phrase that changes depending on tone of voice and context
The phrase can imply that someone is behaving in an entitled manner
Shutterstock
What does madame est servie mean?
It literally translates as: madame is served.
It is a slightly outdated expression that is used when a service has been provided, usually for a girl or woman.
Today, the term madame is used to show respect but can also imply that someone is behaving in an entitled or bossy manner.
The saying madame est servie can also be adapted in each of these ways - coming across as a formal, light-hearted, or sarcastic way of indicating that a service has been offered - depending on the context.
For example, it may be used by parents upon doing something (often preparing food) for their child.
It can be said by someone who is male or female, however the equivalent monsieur est servi (sir is served) does not exist.
What are the origins of madame est servie?
The phrase is closely linked to serving staff who would commonly use it to signal that a meal had been served and was ready to be eaten by upper class diners.
You may still hear it in some fancy restaurants today.
The expression, however, became popular in France after Madame est servie was used as the French translation of American TV series Who’s the Boss? The show tells the story of a retired baseball player who became the housekeeper of an advertising executive in New York.
When do you say madame est servie?
Use it as a standalone phrase once you have finished serving someone:
Say it with a sarcastic, bitter tone to show that you are displeased at having completed a task for another person:
Ça m'a pris une journée entière pour faire partir la tache de votre robe, mais voilà, madame est servie. - It took me an entire day to get the stain out of your dress, but there you go, you are welcome.
To whom do you say madame est servie?
The formality of this expression changes depending on your tone of voice and the context of a situation.
Be careful as some people may consider this expression as being rude or overly formal. You should not typically say this to someone who is older than you, such as a mother-in-law, for example.
A more neutral equivalent would be: et voilà (there you go).
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
