Preparing for your vacation also means immersing yourself in the local culture and familiarizing yourself with the typical expressions of the region you’re about to visit. If you’ve chosen to stay at the eco-chic 5-star La Clape Village campsite, located in the heart of the magnificent Cap d’Agde in the south of France, on the Mediterranean coast, you’re about to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the sunny, lilting accent of the Hérault people, many words and expressions from the Occitan language punctuate the discussions. There’s nothing like knowing a few local expressions before you set off. Let us guide you through the words and turns of phrase that make up the richness of the regional language, and learn to speak like a true Héraultais on your next vacation by the Mediterranean. A change of scenery guaranteed!
A bisto de nas
“A bisto de nas” means to make something on the spur of the moment. It’s a typical expression when cooking without following a precise recipe. You could, for example, prepare a dry rouille “a bisto de nas” with fresh local produce found on the market in the kitchen of your luxury cottage at the 5-star La Clape Village campsite.
Bader
The verb “bader” means to admire, to stand in awe of something or someone. In Cap d’Agde, from your Seaview cottage, for example, you can “bader” your sublime sea view.
Cagnard
The term “dagnard” refers to the heat, which is often overwhelming. On hot summer days, the term is aptly used to describe the blazing sun. At La Clape Village, you can escape the doldrums by cooling off in the pool, bubbling on your shady terrace or sipping a cool drink in the village center.
Have a go
“Avoir la cagne” translates as being lazy or not wanting to do anything. Under the hot Hérault sun, it’s not unusual to feel like lazing around. Especially when you’re on vacation by the sea, it quickly becomes contagious. You might say: “I’m feeling lazy today, so I’m going to stay by the pool”.
Hope
The verb “Espanter” means to amaze or impress. It comes up regularly in discussions between locals to express surprise as well as admiration at something remarkable. When you first discover your premium accommodation at Camping La Clape Village in Cap d’Agde, you’re sure to be “espanterized” by its decoration, exterior layout and comfort.
It Stings
Absolutely essential. “Pègue” refers to something sticky or tacky. In summer, with the heat of Cap d’Agde, this word takes on its full meaning. But also when the weather is “marinas”. It’s a much-used colloquial term, ideal for showing you know the area well and blending in with the landscape. The word pégous is a variant used to describe something that stinks/sticks: “a glass of alcohol has been spilled, the table is all pégous”.
Peuchère
An emblematic expression of the South of France, you’re bound to hear it during your stay. “Peuchère” is often used to express compassion or pity. You’ll frequently hear this exclamation in the conversations of locals, for example when they see someone in a difficult situation. At La Clape Village campsite, don’t be surprised if you hear this expression at the bend in the road – it’s part of the local charm!
Ratchou
In the Hérault region, ratchou means stingy: “what a ratchou he is!
Recreate
The verb “Récater” means to clean thoroughly. At the end of your stay at camping la clape village, if you don’t want to spoil the end of your vacation by tidying up your accommodation before check-out, consider choosing the end-of-stay cleaning option or choosing accommodation with hotel services (sheets and towels included, end-of-stay cleaning) such as the Pool Cottages and Seaview Cottages.
Being spoilt also means being very tired or exhausted after a long day in the water slides of our 5-star campsite.
Rouméguer
“Rouméguer” means to grumble or grumble. And as we all know, the French are champions in this field. Faute avouée, à moitié pardonnée…. It’s a perfect expression to describe those moments when something doesn’t quite go according to plan. For example, if the mistral rises and disrupts your outdoor activities, you might hear someone say: “Stop blubbering, we’ll find a solution!
Ronquer
“Ronquer” means to sleep soundly. After a busy day of water sports, cultural visits or with the animators of la clape village campsite, you’ll appreciate the comfort of your accommodation to “ronquer” and regain your strength. It’s the perfect term to describe a good night’s sleep after an active vacation.
Rouziguer
At the table, the word “rouziguer” may come up in conversation at the end of a meal: “don’t you rouzigues your bones? And yes, where I come from, it means gnawing your bones. An expression you’ll need to know for your next barbecue.
S’escaner
The verb “s’escaner” means to choke. During a convivial family meal on the terrace of your comfortable mobile home in Cap d’Agde, if you swallow wrongly, you’ll be told: “don’t escane!
Tcharer
The verb “tcharer” means to talk, but also to be talkative. For example, you might hear “qu’est ce qu’elle tchare celle-là” for a person who’s chatty, likes to joke and chat with others. If you arrive late to meet your family for dinner, you might say: “j’étais en tcharer avec une copine / un copain à la piscine du camping”.
Of course, this is just a sample. Please feel free to comment on any other words or expressions that catch your attention during your stay at Camping La Clape Village. We hope you enjoy this little lexicon, which will help you feel like a fish in water during your stay in Languedoc-Roussillon. By using these expressions, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and enjoy your stay at the La Clape Village campsite in Cap d’Agde.
