We visited a French friend’s home recently for the first time, and when I walked into their La Jolla area abode, complete with floor to ceiling windows and a spectacular view, I exclaimed: “This is such a fabulous house! Wow!”
My friend answered, with an indifferent shrug, “C’est pas mal.”
I stared at him. “That’s such a French answer.”
“Oui. There are some that are better, some that are worse, so: pas mal.”
And there you have it: French culture and American, juxtaposed. We Americans tend to be enthusiastic, perhaps overly so, of even the most mundane of things. “Oh my god, there is nothing better than potato chips. These ROCK.” Everything is awesome, amazing, choose your superlative. The French, on the other hand, can’t seem to muster up excitement about anything.
There’s little difference, for example, in how they describe something that’s great versus how they describe something that sucks: “C’est pas mal.” It’s not bad. This describes anything from something good to something fabulous. Then there’s: “C’est pas terrible.” Literally: It’s not terrible. This describes something awful.
As an aside, the word “terrible” in French is almost always used in the negative, except when it’s not, like here: C’est un truc terrible. Translation: It’s awesome.
Then there’s the typical response to someone proposing a great idea. Here, we’ll say, “What an amazing idea!” or something equivalent. The French will more typically say, “C’est pas bête,” Translation: That’s not stupid.
It’s easy to assume from all of this that Americans are shallow, fake, insincere, and that the French are a bunch of negative duds. No wonder we have so much trouble understanding each other!
Our interpretations of others are colored by our own biases, opinions, experiences, and of course, our cultural understandings. It is easy to generalize something, as I have above, that in truth is much more complicated and nuanced.
It’s also true that my friend’s house is really freaking awesome.
A French American Life 
Love it!
Thank you!
The French are odd – no one understands them! But I like them and I am going there soon for a short break!
Bon Voyage – have a great trip! I think even the French don’t truly understand the French 🙂
This made me smile. 🙂
Glad I could help!
Oh my goodness! This is SUCH a brilliant article that illustrates the exact difference that sometimes causes our two cultures to clash. Genuis, so well-written, a perfect example 🙂 It took me a while to realize what “pas terrible” meant! I thought it wasn’t so bad instead of it being awful. Thanks so much for this! By the way, I’ll be in San Diego at the end of August/beginning of September for three weeks; I’d love to get a coffee if you’re available and up for it!
It would be amazing to see you! What are the exact dates? We’ll be moving to Boulder, CO in the first or second week of September, but if we can catch each other that would be so great!
Oh wow! How exciting! We arrive August 24 and stay until September 14!
Maybe we can try to grab a coffee that first weekend – if you aren’t already fully booked with friends and family welcoming you home? Otherwise, I might have some time the couple days after labor day. I’ll try to PM you on Facebook.
Just spoke to my mom and the first Sunday (we arrive late on Saturday), we are going to Mexico. Would be great to catch up after Labor Day, though!
Lovely!
That’s so true, great post! Frenchies from France never seem happy with what they have and are pretty negative/indifferent in general. French Canadians on the other hand wear their emotions on their sleeves and are very enthusiastic or not according to the situation. A good movie that shows the French Canadians emotions is the action/comedy/crime “Bon cop, bad cop” (13+).
Such an interesting difference between French Canadians and Frenchies from France. I’ll have to check out the movie – thanks!
Great explanation (or should I say “not bad”) – it makes sense!
Oui, c’est logique !
It’s called nonchalance 🙂
The French have mastered the art of nonchalance. While sometimes I want to shake them and yell, “Get excited about something! Anything!” I must admit I find their cool, breezy, nonchalant style quite sexy 🙂
Pas mal ton article ! 😉
Funny and well writen, as usual.
Thank you!
Merci!
I wonder if the French interest in ‘ideas’ and philosophy prevents them from getting excited about the commonplace things we British/Americans like so much. What do material possessions really matter, when we’re all going to die some day?
Interesting thought – I agree there is something there.
Very true, love the way you highlight the cultural differences!
Merci !
Your post is “pas mal” eh eh…
Oh, Patrice, you are so French 🙂