Learning French: when and why do we say se faire des cheveux blancs?
Discover the connection between this worrisome phrase and Marie Antoinette
This expression is linked to the physical attributes of stress
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Je me fais des cheveux blancs !
We look at the fascinating origins behind this saying and share even more phrases for expressing your worries and fears in French.
What does se faire des cheveux blancs mean?
It literally translates as: to give yourself white hairs.
The phrase is actually used in a similar way to the English expression ‘to worry yourself sick’, suggesting that you are feeling very stressed or scared about something.
Further synonyms include:
Se faire un sang d'encre - To make your blood run cold
Etre mort(e) d'inquiétude - To worry yourself to death
Avoir une peur bleue - To be scared to death
What are the origins of se faire des cheveux blancs?
This expression originated in the first half of the 19th Century, based on the observation that stress, worry and fear can have a major influence on our psychological, emotional, and physical state.
Suddenly gaining grey (or white) hairs can be one of the physical impacts of traumatic experiences.
This condition is supposedly called canities subita, and is also known as Marie Antoinette syndrome or Thomas More syndrome.
It was reported that Marie Antoinette saw her hair turn completely white overnight following her capture during the French Revolution. Similarly, in 1535 when England’s former Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas More was convicted of high treason it was said his hair turned white the night before his beheading.
Rest assured, you do not need to be facing death to find an excuse to use this expression today. Se faire des cheveux blancs can describe your reaction to any stressful situation.
When do you say se faire des cheveux blancs?
Say this to describe any situation that makes you feel worried, stressed or scared:
It can also be said when referring to a person who is prone to panic:
Read more: Learning French: when and why do we say racler les fonds de tiroir?
To whom do you say se faire des cheveux blancs?
The saying is considered colloquial language that can be used in a range of situations, with friends, family or strangers.
Se faire un sang d’encre (literally: to give yourself ink blood), is an even more common expression which could also be used in similarly stressful scenarios.
It is worth noting that if using the phrase to describe another person, depending on the context and tone of voice, it could come across as belittling or cruel.
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
