DR Congo
faire le gros dos
“to make the big back”
Meaning
to put on airs
Elsewhere
se pavaner
Explanation
In France faire le gros dos is to keep your head down until trouble passes, like a cat arching its back. In much of West and Central Africa it is what the show-off does.
Example
Depuis sa promotion, il fait le gros dos devant tout le bureau.
Since his promotion, he has been putting on airs in front of the whole office.
Origin
Origin uncertain.
Where
DR Congo
Chad
Côte d’Ivoire
Togo
Benin
Niger
Mali