When and why do we say à faire pleurer dans les chaumières?

Try saying this French phrase the next time you hear or experience something that moves you to tears.

What does à faire pleurer dans les chaumières mean?

This peculiar phrase literally translates as: to make [people] cry in cottages. More appropriate English equivalents include ‘tear-jerking’ or ‘heart-rendering’.

It is mainly used to describe someone or something that pulls on the heartstrings of a target group, and is emotionally ‘moving’. 

You will most commonly hear the expression used to describe une histoire (a story), much like similar English phrases such as:

• A sob story

• A tragic tale 

What are the origins of à faire pleurer dans les chaumières?

The exact origin story behind this phrase is unclear. It appears to have evolved over time, with some variations missing out the term à faire (to make you), and others missing the word dans (in). 

French linguistics body CNRTL defines the expression as referring to something “very sentimental”. It also traces the term chaumière to the 17th Century, meaning “a small modest dwelling (with a thatched roof)” and links this type of home to the idea of living somewhere “poor”. 

It could be argued that chaumière first appeared in this expression as a symbol for the working class or ‘lower’ members of society. This would have strengthened the emotional intensity of whatever was being described, implying that even those who face daily hardship would be moved to tears by it. 

Some sources suggest that the painting by Paul Delaroche titled The Children of Edward was described as “un tableau à faire pleurer les chaumières” when first exhibited at the Salon of 1831 (an art exhibition held at the Louvre between June and August 1831). The painting depicts a dramatic scene: Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, imprisoned in the Tower of London, huddle together in fear of their imminent death. 

The first recorded use of the expression as it is used today can be traced to a letter column published in La Presse Sportive on July 2, 1914. The writer refers to “la défaite dieppoise de Carpentier à faire pleurer dans les chaumières” (Carpentier's defeat in Dieppe brought tears to the eyes of the nation). This line most likely refers to famous French boxer, Georges Carpentier. 

When do you say à faire pleurer dans les chaumières?

This saying acts as an adjective and is often placed after a subject such as une histoire, un film, or une expérience. 

Use it whenever someone says or does something that sparks a sentimental reaction:

• Elle nous a raconté son parcours et les sacrifices qu'elle a faits pour en arriver là. C'était une histoire à faire pleurer dans les chaumières – She told us about her journey so far and the sacrifices she made to get here. It was a heart-wrenching story.

• Le candidat a obtenu les votes du public et a remporté le concours après avoir interprété une chanson à faire pleurer dans les chaumières – The contestant secured the public vote and won the competition after singing a very moving song.

To whom do you say à faire pleurer dans les chaumières?

It is considered quite a sophisticated expression that can be said to close friends and family, or complete strangers. However, most people reserve it for formal situations.

You will likely see the phrase written in books or newspapers, and will only occasionally hear it said out loud. 

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