Meaning
Using various odds and ends, improvised; made from disparate elements.
Cultural Background
The 'Système D' is a core part of French identity, celebrating the ability to 'se débrouiller' (manage) with 'de bric et de broc'. It's seen as a form of intelligence. In Quebec, while the phrase is understood, you might also hear 'patenter quelque chose', which implies building something improvised or 'de bric et de broc'. The 'Art Brut' movement often utilizes materials 'de bric et de broc' (trash, stones, shells) to create masterpieces outside the traditional academic circuit. With the rise of 'upcycling', the 'bric et de broc' aesthetic has moved from being a sign of poverty to a sign of eco-consciousness.
Use it for charm
Don't just use it for 'messy' things. Use it to describe something 'eclectic' or 'bohemian' to sound more like a native speaker.
Silent C
Remember that the 'c' in 'broc' is silent, but the 'c' in 'bric' is pronounced. This is a common trap!
Meaning
Using various odds and ends, improvised; made from disparate elements.
Use it for charm
Don't just use it for 'messy' things. Use it to describe something 'eclectic' or 'bohemian' to sound more like a native speaker.
Silent C
Remember that the 'c' in 'broc' is silent, but the 'c' in 'bric' is pronounced. This is a common trap!
The Flea Market Vibe
This phrase is the unofficial motto of the 'Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen' in Paris. It's the heart of the 'bric et de broc' world.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the expression.
Il a construit sa cabane avec des planches de récupération, c'est vraiment du travail ___.
The standard, invariable form is 'de bric et de broc'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in an abstract sense?
Choose the best option:
Here it describes a plan that lacks coherence, which is a correct figurative use.
Match the situation to the description.
A student uses a crate as a table and a bottle as a lamp.
It describes the improvised nature of the furniture.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Comment as-tu trouvé son dernier livre ? B: Bof, c'est un mélange ___.
Used here to mean the book is a hodgepodge of unrelated ideas.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl a construit sa cabane avec des planches de récupération, c'est vraiment du travail ___.
The standard, invariable form is 'de bric et de broc'.
Choose the best option:
Here it describes a plan that lacks coherence, which is a correct figurative use.
A student uses a crate as a table and a bottle as a lamp.
It describes the improvised nature of the furniture.
A: Comment as-tu trouvé son dernier livre ? B: Bof, c'est un mélange ___.
Used here to mean the book is a hodgepodge of unrelated ideas.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It depends on the tone. It can be a compliment for creativity or a critique of poor quality.
No, you must include the 'de'. It is always 'un meuble DE bric et DE broc'.
Bric-à-brac is a noun (a shop or a pile of stuff). De bric et de broc is an adjective phrase (describing how something is made).
Yes, especially in journalism or creative industries, but avoid it in formal legal or scientific documents.
Etymologically yes, but in this phrase, it has lost its individual meaning. It's just part of the pair.
Only metaphorically, like 'une équipe de bric et de broc'. Don't use it to describe someone's physical appearance unless you mean their clothes.
No, it is strictly invariable. 'Des idées de bric et de broc' is correct.
It is standard French used throughout the Francophonie, though very popular in France.
It's understandable, but 'fait de bric et de broc' is the idiomatic standard.
Use 'hétéroclite', 'disparate', or 'composite'.
Related Phrases
Bric-à-brac
similarA collection of old, random objects.
À la va-vite
similarDone quickly and sloppily.
Avec les moyens du bord
synonymUsing whatever is available on hand.
Fait de bric et de broc
builds onThe full verbal form of the expression.
