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Re:Samba Was Written (2003) by skrebbel on Friday January 09, 2026 @03:40AM (#46551433)
> Now one problem with the "French Cafe" technique is that you can only learn words that the customers use. What if you want to learn other words? Say for example you want to learn to swear in French? You would try ordering something at the cafe, then stepping on the waiters toe or poking him in the eye when he gives you your order. As you are being kicked out you take copious notes on the words he uses.

This is written so compellingly that I almost want to try this approach to learn French swearing.

Re:Samba Was Written (2003) by Z_Z on Friday January 09, 2026 @04:09AM (#46551657)
better off moving to Québec. enables a more passive approach
Re:Samba Was Written (2003) by skrebbel on Friday January 09, 2026 @04:11AM (#46551666)
how so?
Re:Samba Was Written (2003) by Z_Z on Friday January 09, 2026 @04:27AM (#46551797)
only meant it in tongue-in-cheek jest. the "gros mots" in Québécois french are firmly rooted in the culture and liberally applied. though I guess the same could be said about any language's swear words now that I'm thinking it out loud
Re:Samba Was Written (2003) by skrebbel on Friday January 09, 2026 @04:38AM (#46551880)
Hahh nice, appreciate the elaboration!
Re:Samba Was Written (2003) by ben1040 on Friday January 09, 2026 @11:34AM (#46555588)
I've been watching the Québécois version of Taskmaster with community-made subtitles and I love how the subtitle writers have included brief idiomatic explanations for the swearing that is constantly peppered into the dialogue.
Re:Samba Was Written (2003) by Y_Y on Friday January 09, 2026 @05:44AM (#46552384)
Tabarnak de câlice de ostie! Most of their swearing is just references to Catholic paraphernalia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_French_profanity

Re:Samba Was Written (2003) by deltoidmaximus on Friday January 09, 2026 @01:59PM (#46557656)
My wife is fond of swearing profusely in Québécois and it amused me how detailed this wikipedia entry was when I looked it up. Apparently, it was used to the fullest extent by her father recently in response to a broken toilet.
Re:Samba Was Written (2003) by sekh60 on Saturday January 10, 2026 @06:58PM (#46571248)
This reminds me of the Kids in the Hall Skit, "Direction's (I Speak no English)". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vgoEhsJORU