Exploring the Meaning and Usage of 'On En A Gros' in French
The phrase 'on en a gros' is a quintessential expression in colloquial European French, particularly rooted in the popular French medieval comedy show Kaamelott.
Origin and Context
The phrase 'on en a gros' comes directly from the famous slogan 'on en a gros sur le cur/la patate'. This idiom is a humorous play on the English phrase 'to have a lot of heart' or 'to be deeply emotional'.
Its origin traces back to a specific episode of the show Kaamelott, where the Welsh knights, Percival and Caradoc, visit King Arthur at night to express their discontent. They attempt to convey their feelings but end up forgetting the exact reason for their distress.
The Show Kaamelott and the Meme
Kaamelott is a popular French satirical series that parodies the legends of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The show uses humor to comment on various aspects of French society. It has a significant cultural impact, and many phrases from the show have become part of everyday language and internet memes.
In the 2017 French presidential election and the 2019 European election, political campaigns used false electoral ads that incorporated memes from Kaamelott. These ads often featured the phrase 'on en a gros', adding a humorous twist to the political discourse.
Examples of such ads include:
We have it big on the heart! (It could be a reference to a candidate's emotional appeal or dissatisfaction with the current political climate.)
Literal and Slang Usage
More colloquially, 'on en a gros' is often used to express deep unhappiness or anger. It carries a sense of having a heavy load on the heart, thus suggesting significant emotional distress.
There is a specific slang version of this expression: 'on en a gros sur la patate'. The word 'la patate' (the potato) is a playful pun, where 'patate' is a colloquial term for the heart, adding an extra layer of humor to the phrase.
The idiom 'en avoir gros sur le cur' literally translates to 'to have a lot of things in the heart.' It conveys a sense of being profoundly sad or angry about something significant or multiple events that happen simultaneously.
Conclusion
While 'on en a gros' and its variants have gained widespread popularity, it's essential to understand their origins and context. Whether it's in a friendly debate or a serious conversation, being aware of these expressions helps in better understanding the nuances of colloquial French.
Remember, the French, with their playful and mischievous nature, often use these expressions in creative and humorous ways, making them memorable and culturally significant.