Meaning
To be very talkative or outspoken.
Cultural Background
In France, being 'bavard' (talkative) is often seen as a social positive in 'l'art de la conversation'. In Quebec, the phrase is used identically, but you might also hear 'avoir de la jasette' to mean the same thing. In some regions, this can be used to describe someone who is a 'griot' (storyteller) or someone very influential in the community through their speech.
Use it for kids
French parents often use this to describe their children who are starting to talk back or ask 'why' constantly.
Watch the verb
Never say 'Je suis la langue bien pendue'. It's always 'J'ai'.
Meaning
To be very talkative or outspoken.
Use it for kids
French parents often use this to describe their children who are starting to talk back or ask 'why' constantly.
Watch the verb
Never say 'Je suis la langue bien pendue'. It's always 'J'ai'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'avoir'.
Ma sœur ___ la langue bien pendue.
The idiom uses the verb 'avoir'. Since 'ma sœur' is 3rd person singular, we use 'a'.
What does this phrase mean?
Si quelqu'un a la langue bien pendue, il est...
'Bavard' is the French word for talkative/chatty.
In which situation is this phrase most appropriate?
Context: You are talking about your funny, chatty uncle at a party.
This is the correct idiom for someone who talks a lot.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Pourquoi est-ce que Julie parle tout le temps ?' B: 'Parce qu'elle ___.'
The phrase explains why she talks all the time.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'La Langue Bien Pendue'
Positive
- • Funny stories
- • Quick wit
- • Social ease
Negative
- • Gossiping
- • Talking back
- • Interrupting
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa sœur ___ la langue bien pendue.
The idiom uses the verb 'avoir'. Since 'ma sœur' is 3rd person singular, we use 'a'.
Si quelqu'un a la langue bien pendue, il est...
'Bavard' is the French word for talkative/chatty.
Context: You are talking about your funny, chatty uncle at a party.
This is the correct idiom for someone who talks a lot.
A: 'Pourquoi est-ce que Julie parle tout le temps ?' B: 'Parce qu'elle ___.'
The phrase explains why she talks all the time.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot usually. It's more of an observation. However, if said with a sigh, it can mean the person is annoying.
Yes! Even though 'langue' is feminine, the phrase applies to everyone. 'Il a la langue bien pendue.'
You could say someone is 'taciturne' or 'peu bavard'. There isn't a direct 'tongue' idiom for being quiet.
Related Phrases
Être un moulin à paroles
synonymTo be a word-mill (chatterbox).
Avoir la langue bien affilée
similarTo have a sharp tongue.
Ne pas avoir sa langue dans sa poche
similarTo not have one's tongue in one's pocket.
