DR Congo

gros mot

“big word”

Meaning

a long, learned word

Elsewhere

mot savant

Explanation

A gros mot is a swear word in France. In much of West and Central Africa it is the opposite, a long, bookish word.

Example

Il adore employer des gros mots pour impressionner tout le monde.

He loves using long, fancy words to impress everyone.

Origin

Origin uncertain.

Where

DR CongoChadSenegalCôte d’IvoireBurkina FasoTogoBeninNigerMali

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