Learning French
When and why do we say avoir des tablettes de chocolat?
A chocolate-themed saying to describe someone who has a six-pack
This phrase refers to having defined stomch muscles
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Do not be fooled by this fun phrase.
If you hear someone mentioning tablettes de chocolat, ask yourself whether they could be using a metaphor to describe physical strength.
What does avoir des tablettes de chocolat mean?
While this informal expression literally translates as ‘to have bars of chocolate’, it can actually refer to having defined abdominal muscles.
Similarly, casual sayings include:
Other adjectives used generally to describe someone who is particularly muscular include: costaud (strong), baraqué(e) (burly), balèze/balaise (hefty).
What are the origins of avoir des tablettes de chocolat?
The exact origins of this term are difficult to pin down. However, just like the English equivalent, it stems from a metaphor.
English speakers compare abdominal muscles to resembling a six-pack of beer, however French speakers compare them to the rectangular sections of a chocolate bar.
It is thought this translation could stem from cultural influences, arguing that people in France do not typically buy cans of beer as often as people in English-speaking countries. Therefore, beer was swapped for chocolate.
The irony is that in each of these cases, people with defined abs typically aim to avoid excessive consumption of sugary food and alcohol.
When do you say avoir des tablettes de chocolat?
Use this expression to refer to someone’s abdominal muscles:
Je vais à la salle de sport toutes les semaines depuis janvier. Mon objectif est d'avoir des tablettes de chocolat avant l'été. - I have been going to the gym every week since January. My goal is to be ripped by the summer.
Quand mon père était plus jeune, il avait des tablettes de chocolat. Il était vraiment fort. - When my dad was younger, he had a six-pack. He was really strong.
Note that you can also negate the term to imply the opposite meaning:
To whom do you say avoir des tablettes de chocolat?
It is informal, colloquial language that can be used around friends and family.
You typically would not say this in a formal or professional situation, however there is no real risk of offending anyone by using this phrase.
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