If you’ve ever travelled to Switzerland’s French-speaking region, you might have noticed that some words sound slightly different from those in France. While the Swiss speak French fluently, their version of the language includes unique Swiss French expressions and phrases that don’t exist in standard French. This distinctive Swiss vocabulary reflects the country’s cultural identity and linguistic evolution. Let’s explore some fascinating local expressions and words you won’t hear in Paris.
The linguistic landscape of Swiss French
Swiss French, or français suisse, is spoken by approximately 1.8 million people in western Switzerland, primarily in cantons like Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, and parts of Valais and Fribourg. While mutually intelligible with standard French, Swiss French expressions have developed their own character through historical influences, geographic isolation, and cultural preferences.
These unique words often reflect a practical and straightforward approach to communication—much like Swiss culture itself. Many stem from older French forms that disappeared in France but survived in Switzerland, while others developed independently to meet local needs.
Swiss French expressions for numbers: logical and simple
Septante and nonante: the logical approach
In Switzerland, Belgium, and parts of Africa, people use distinctive words for specific numbers:
Septante (70) instead of the French soixante-dix (literally “sixty-ten”) Nonante (90) instead of quatre-vingt-dix (literally “four-twenty-ten”)
Why does Swiss French differ here? The French system using sixty-ten and four-twenty-ten is based on old vigesimal counting (counting by 20s), while Swiss French keeps things logical and straightforward with decimal counting.
Comparison:
- Switzerland: 70 = septante | 90 = nonante
- France: 70 = soixante-dix | 90 = quatre-vingt-dix
As for 80, it varies by canton: some use quatre-vingt like in France, while others prefer huitante, making such expressions even more distinctive regionally.
Cultural Swiss French expressions
“Y en a point comme nous” – expressing Swiss pride
This popular phrase among means “There’s no one like us” and reflects Swiss pride and unity. It’s so iconic that it has appeared on Swiss Army knives, embodying the Swiss spirit of uniqueness and self-reliance.
This expression demonstrates how Swiss French often carries deeper cultural meaning beyond its literal translation, reflecting Swiss values of independence and distinctiveness.
Everyday Swiss French expressions
“Ça joue?” – the versatile Swiss question
One of the most common local expressions, “Ça joue?” serves multiple purposes:
- “Is that okay?”
- “Does that work for you?”
- “Everything good?”
- “Are we set?”
Example conversation:
- Person A: “On se voit à trois heures?” (Shall we meet at three?)
- Person B: “Ça joue!” (That works!)
In standard French, you’d more likely hear “Ça marche?” or “C’est bon?” but Swiss French favors this more relaxed alternative.
“Bien du plaisir!” – ironic good wishes
While it sounds positive, this Swiss French expression often carries subtle irony. When someone says “Bien du plaisir!” they usually mean “Good luck with that!” with a slightly sarcastic undertone.
Example:
- Person A: “Je dois remplir mes impôts ce soir.” (I have to do my taxes tonight.)
- Person B: “Bien du plaisir!” (Have fun with that…)
This expression showcases the dry humor often found in the French spoken in Western Switzerland.
Household and practical expressions
“Faire une panosse” – cleaning Swiss style
In Swiss French, une panosse refers to a mop or floor cloth, making faire une panosse mean “to mop the floor.” Standard French uses passer la serpillière for the same action.
This practical terminology reflects how Swiss French often develops around everyday activities, creating distinctive vocabulary for common household tasks.
More household expressions
Une sacoche – plastic bag (standard French: un sac plastique) Un fourre – folder or file (standard French: un classeur) Une réclame – advertisement (standard French: une publicité)
Food-related expressions
Distinctive Swiss vocabulary extends into culinary vocabulary, reflecting local food culture:
Un croissant au beurre – what the French call un croissant (Swiss specify butter) Une tresse – braided bread Un cornet – ice cream cone (standard French: un cône)
These food-related expressions often preserve older French terms or develop from local culinary traditions.
Administrative and formal Swiss French
Banking and government terminology
Swiss French expressions in official contexts often differ from standard French:
Un carnet – bank book/passbook (standard French: un livret) Une régie – property management company (more specific in Swiss usage) Un contrôle – test or exam (standard French: un examen)
These formal Swiss French expressions reflect Switzerland’s unique institutional structures and administrative culture.
The evolution of Swiss French expressions
Historical influences
Swiss French expressions evolved through several influences, as documented by linguistic research at the University of Neuchâtel studying regional French variations.:
- Preservation of older French forms that disappeared in France
- German language contact in multilingual Switzerland
- Local innovation for Switzerland-specific concepts
- Cultural independence from French linguistic trends
Modern developments
Contemporary local expressions continue evolving, incorporating:
- Technology terms adapted to local usage
- Anglicisms filtered through Swiss cultural perspectives
- New expressions for uniquely Swiss experiences
Learning Swiss French expressions: practical tips
For travelers and language learners
Understanding Swiss French expressions enhances communication in French-speaking Switzerland:
- Listen for number differences – septante/nonante vs. soixante-dix/quatre-vingt-dix
- Notice practical vocabulary – household and administrative terms
- Appreciate cultural expressions – phrases reflecting Swiss values
- Ask locals – Swiss people often enjoy explaining their unique expressions
Cultural sensitivity
When using Swiss French expressions, remember they’re markers of cultural identity. Swiss speakers appreciate when foreigners show interest in their linguistic distinctiveness rather than correcting their “non-standard” French.
Why Swiss French expressions matter
These unique Swiss French expressions represent more than linguistic curiosities—they embody Swiss cultural values of practicality, independence, and precision. They demonstrate how language adapts to local needs while maintaining connection to broader francophone culture.
For language enthusiasts, Swiss French expressions offer insights into how geographic and cultural factors shape linguistic evolution. They remind us that French, like all living languages, continues developing in fascinating ways across different regions.
Swiss French expressions also highlight Switzerland’s multilingual complexity, where French coexists with German, Italian, and Romansh, creating unique linguistic dynamics found nowhere else.
Related reading: The French influence on English vocabulary