French Expression of the Day: Avoir la langue bien pendue

This French expression doesn't actually have anything to do with your tongue...

This is a good French expression to know if someone is being a little too talkative.

The expression avoir la langue bien pendue, roughly pronounced ah-vwar lah lahng byan pahn-dew (listen here ), literally translates as "to have a well-hung tongue". But in reality it means to be very talkative, especially someone who always has something to say and speaks easily.

Depending on the context, it can be positive - describing someone as chatty and outspoken - or slightly critical, suggesting that they talk a lot or too much.

The expression dates back to the 14th century, when someone who spoke easily and at great length might be described as having a langue bien affilée (a well-sharpened tongue). Over time, affilée was replaced by pendue , while keeping the same idea of someone eager to speak.

Going back to that literal translation of ' bien pendue ' - in English 'well hung' has a slightly explicit meaning of a man who is well equipped in the trouser department. However it does not have the same meaning in French, so trying to complement a gentleman as bien pendue will likely be met with bafflement. ( Bien équipé - well equipped - is the French equivalent, since you asked).

Il a la langue bien pendue ! Je le croyais plus timide au début. - He talks a lot! I thought he was shy at first.

Elle a la langue bien pendue. Elle peut discuter avec n'importe qui pendant des heures. - She's very chatty. She can talk to anyone for hours.

Il a la langue bien pendue et n'a pas peur de dire ce qu'il pense. - He's outspoken and isn't afraid to say what he thinks.