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The customs guy was a bit weirded out when he found 314 pens in my bag, but I assured him they were free giveaways for my upcoming show. He didn't ask why they had bitch written on them. Anyway, me and the pens are safely across the border. Give me a bit of time to set up and get things rolling, and I'll have some new posts for you later in the day.
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"Que sur terre?" Laisse tomber les traductions de Babelfish! Calice!
Posted by: Jen | April 15, 2008 at 07:05 AM
According to the Robert Collins, "Je te dis merde!" means either "go to hell!" or "good luck!" or "break a leg!"
You learn something new every day...
Posted by: Jen | April 15, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I would have loved to see a Chris vs. Customs showdown over 314 pens.
Posted by: Liz | April 15, 2008 at 07:44 AM
I HAVE MY PEN!! ENVY ME!!!!
Posted by: Jill | April 15, 2008 at 08:08 AM
yes pers, merde means shit... but it's also the word we use to wish luck on people going on stage.... in the same way americans say "break a leg" we don't really wish shit or wish the person breaks a leg...
But it seems we can't say just good luck so because it will bring bad luck... so in french we say merde.... and yes, it means shit but it's used to wish good luck to someone before a show!
Posted by: Alphi | April 15, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Yes, "merde" is what to say to someone about to go on stage. Dunno why, but I learned that as a performer in Quebec. At first, I thought someone was swearing at me... :)
Ain't CWC educational??
Posted by: Spunkypuppy | April 15, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Lol, Jen! You're opening up a whole different discussion with Quebec's use of religious terminology as a swear word. This would be very educational for our American friends, mon tabernac...
Anyone want to research it?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_French_profanity
Posted by: Spunkypuppy | April 15, 2008 at 08:57 AM
We'll be sending all the visitors home with this cute new expression they learned in Toronto-'merde'!
Posted by: Ann | April 15, 2008 at 09:54 AM
lol!!Babelfish!
Love it.
Posted by: reneevt | April 15, 2008 at 10:08 AM
pens pens pens (chants)
Posted by: chun | April 15, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Chris' nails are immaculate. o.o
Posted by: Nami | April 15, 2008 at 12:59 PM
And technically, we should be wishing Chris "break a leg" or "merde" at the dress rehearsal... the saying comes from the old theatre belief that a) wishing someone good luck is bad luck, and b) a horrible dress rehearsal would precede an amazing opening night.
Thus endeth the theatre lesson.
Posted by: Jen | April 15, 2008 at 01:03 PM
"sacre nom de nom" was/is my favorite. i use it still, but i've never seen it written. should it be "nom des noms"? would one of you helpful easterners kindly educate me?
Posted by: saralinda | April 15, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Hey, Chris, hope you're enjoying your room at the Seahorse Motel, (Toronto's premiere pay-by-the-hour accommodation), with the added luxury of the broom closet at the Royal York (compliments of Ann and Eden)!
Posted by: Ann | April 15, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Oh, and if things go well for you here in Toronto, Chris, WHY DON'T YOU STAY?
Posted by: Ann | April 15, 2008 at 07:03 PM
I'm going to wet myself with excitement.
Posted by: Alex in Toronto | April 15, 2008 at 10:09 PM
I want ORANGE.
;-)
Posted by: Carla | April 16, 2008 at 04:52 AM
It's probably a good thing that the pens had "Bitch" written on them. That makes them look less like a business item.
Business items need to be declared, I believe.
Posted by: Ted C. | April 21, 2008 at 06:40 PM