French Expression of the Day: En voiture Simone
This French expression can be useful even if you don't know anyone named Simone.
This French expression can be useful even if you don't know anyone named Simone.
This French expression is good to know if you're going on vacation over the summer.
The expression en voiture Simone , roughly pronounced ahn vwah-tewr see-mon (listen here ) translates literally to "get in the car Simone".
But it's an expression to say "let's go" or "let's hit the road". It's a fun way of encouraging people to get moving or start an activity.
Simone Pinet de Borde des Forest was one of the very first French women to earn a driving licence in 1929, at a time when only around three percent of licence holders were women.
She quickly developed a passion for motoring, went on to compete in numerous motor races, and in 1934 took part in the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. She later recounted the experience in a book, helping to make her a well-known public figure.
According to one popular explanation, her fame inspired the playful saying - En voiture, Simone, c'est toi qui conduis, c'est moi qui klaxonne ! (Hop in, Simone - you're driving, I'll honk the horn!), a light-hearted tribute to her daring and skill behind the wheel.
The expression became popular in the 1960s thanks to the television game show Intervilles. Host Guy Lux regularly called out en voiture, Simone to his co-host Simone Garnier, making it one of the programme's best-known catchphrases.
Tout le monde est prêt ? En voiture, Simone ! - Everyone ready? Let's hit the road!
Prêt pour les vacances ? En voiture, Simone ! - Ready for our holiday? Off we go!
Les courses sont faites. En voiture, Simone ! - The grocery shopping is done. Let's go!
