When and why do we say French expression mettre la puce à l'oreille?

You may recognise une puce as referring to an electronic chip, or ma puce (my flea) as a commonly used French term of endearment, much like ‘sweetheart’ in English. 

However, the phrase mettre la puce à l'oreille has nothing to do with tech or affection, and actually refers to planting an idea in someone’s head.

We look at the origins behind this popular ear-themed expression and explain how to use it in a range of situations. 

What does mettre la puce à l'oreille mean?

This saying literally translates as: to put the flea in the ear. 

While this might sound like a horribly itchy experience, the phrase actually describes the idea of prompting someone to think or reflect on a particular subject or possibility. 

The phrase is mostly used in a negative sense, suggesting that someone has tipped you off or aroused suspicion.

Similar expressions include:

• Faire se douter de quelque chose – To doubt yourself 

• Se méfier de quelqu’un – To be wary of someone

• Éveiller l'attention – To draw attention to

• Tirer la sonnette d'alarme – To ring alarm bells 

What are the origins of mettre la puce à l'oreille?

It is said that from the 14th Century, having ringing or itchy ears meant that someone was talking about you behind your back. This scratchy sensation has therefore been linked to doubtful feelings for hundreds of years. 

The use of mettre la puce à l'oreille was first recorded in the 17th Century, with fleas being used as a metaphor for itchiness. If your ear started tickling, then you would have a horrible feeling that would put you on edge. 

When do you say mettre la puce à l'oreille?

This expression is often conjugated in the past tense and you must always select the correct pronoun to indicate the subject of the phrase.

For example, you can say it if you have heard something suspicious:

• Ma mère m'a mis la puce à l'oreille quand elle m'a dit d'annuler mes projets pour samedi soir. – My mum raised my suspicions when she told me to cancel my plans for Saturday night. 

The phrase can also simply suggest something has got someone thinking:

• Qu’est-ce qui t’a mis la puce à l'oreille? – What made you think that?

To whom do you say mettre la puce à l'oreille?

It is a commonly employed expression and can be used in any context, with friends, family, colleagues, or strangers. 

You will hear it said outloud and written down.

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