Meaning
To provoke an argument or conflict.
Cultural Background
The French love a good debate, but 'chercher des noises' is seen as 'bad form'. It's the difference between an intellectual challenge and a personal attack. In Quebec, you might also hear 'chercher du trouble', which is a direct calque from English, but 'chercher des noises' remains understood as a more traditional form. Similar usage to France, often used in schools to describe playground bullying or provocation. The phrase is used but often supplemented with local metaphors for 'looking for a fight', such as 'chercher palabre'.
Not about sound!
Never use this to talk about loud music or construction work. Use 'bruit' for that.
Use the pronoun
It sounds much more native to say 'Il ME cherche des noises' than just 'Il cherche des noises'.
Meaning
To provoke an argument or conflict.
Not about sound!
Never use this to talk about loud music or construction work. Use 'bruit' for that.
Use the pronoun
It sounds much more native to say 'Il ME cherche des noises' than just 'Il cherche des noises'.
Setting boundaries
This is a great phrase for setting boundaries. It tells the other person you see their game.
Always plural
Think of it as 'multiple problems'. Always use 'des noises'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Arrête de me ______ des noises !
After 'Arrête de', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
The idiom always uses 'des noises' (plural).
Match the situation to the response.
Your brother is complaining about how you breathe.
He is looking for a reason to argue about something petty.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi Marc est-il si agressif ? B: Je ne sais pas, il ______ à tout le monde aujourd'hui.
The verb used in the idiom is 'chercher'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Noise vs. Bruit
Practice Bank
4 exercisesArrête de me ______ des noises !
After 'Arrête de', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Choose the correct option:
The idiom always uses 'des noises' (plural).
Your brother is complaining about how you breathe.
He is looking for a reason to argue about something petty.
A: Pourquoi Marc est-il si agressif ? B: Je ne sais pas, il ______ à tout le monde aujourd'hui.
The verb used in the idiom is 'chercher'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, it's too informal. Use 'conflit' or 'désaccord' instead.
Not anymore. It only exists in this idiom. If you use it alone, people won't understand you.
'Noises' is usually verbal or petty, while 'bagarre' specifically means a physical fight.
It can be confrontational. It's like saying 'Are you trying to start something?'. Use it with caution.
Use 'avoir': 'Il m'a cherché des noises'.
The word 'noises' is always feminine plural, regardless of who is speaking or being spoken to.
No, that would mean 'looking for sounds', which makes no sense in this context.
Yes, it is widely understood across the Francophonie, though some regions have their own local variations.
The idiom emphasizes that the person is actively looking for a reason to be upset, even if one doesn't exist.
No, it's strictly for interpersonal conflict.
Yes, 'chercher querelle à quelqu'un' is the more formal version.
Associate 'noises' with 'noisy arguments'.
No, 'chercher une noise' is incorrect.
It's informal/familier, but not slang (argot). It's safe for general use.
Related Phrases
chercher la petite bête
similarTo look for the smallest flaw.
chercher des poux
synonymTo look for lice (trouble).
provoquer
builds onTo provoke.
chercher la bagarre
specialized formTo look for a physical fight.
se disputer
contrastTo argue.
