Canada· easy· informal
avoir une face à fesser dedans
“to have a face to whack into”
Meaning
to have a thoroughly detestable attitude
Explanation
This is about someone's whole manner being insufferable, not just their looks. In Quebec French 'fesser' means to hit hard, not just tap, so the image is a face that practically invites a smack. 'Avoir une face à claques' is a close cousin.
Example
Il a vraiment une face à fesser dedans quand il se met à te faire la morale.
He's got such an insufferable manner when he starts lecturing you.
Origin
Origin uncertain. 'Fesser' meaning to strike hard rather than just tap gives a fair sense of how punch-worthy the whole attitude is meant to sound.
Where
Quebec
More like this
- se faire marcher sur les piedsto let people push you around
- ne pas y aller de main morteTo act very forcefully, without holding back
- prendre quelqu'un la main dans le sacTo catch someone red-handed
- avoir les jambes en marshmallowto have legs that suddenly feel wobbly
- pas de chicane dans la cabaneEveryone should get along peacefully at home
- accouche, qu’on baptiseHurry up and get to the point