What is the French word for a know-all?

The etymology of French words is not a scary science beyond the reach of mere linguistic mortals, but rather a fascinating, often poetic delve into history. All that is required is an inquisitive mind.

The always illuminating language section of newspaper Le Figaro’s website knows this, and relishes explaining the origins of words with memorable, quirky back stories.

As well as explaining the roots of words we already know, it is especially useful for expanding one’s vocabulary. A recent example was its analysis of a word hitherto unknown by your Language noter, but now committed to memory and ready to be dug out to nonchalantly impress dinner guests.

Ultracrépidarianisme refers to the habit of offering an opinion on a subject which is beyond one’s field of expertise – the kind of behaviour we have all come across! We call those who do it ‘know-alls’ – the English word is an ultracrepidarian.

It derives from the Latin phrase “Sutor, ne ultra crepidam,” which means “shoemaker, do not go beyond the sandal.” In other words, “the shoemaker should not speak beyond his area of expertise, which is the sandal.”

It comes from Latin writer Pliny the Elder’s Natural History, in which he recounts how painter Apelles accepted a cobbler’s criticism of a depiction of a sandal, but rebuked him when he began criticising parts of the painting beyond his expertise.

The newspaper had previously noted that such behaviour was common during the Covid pandemic, when many appeared to become medical experts.