Meaning
To push out one's lips to show displeasure or sulkiness.
Cultural Background
Pouting is often seen as a sign of authenticity. French people value expressing their true feelings. The phrase is used similarly, but often with a more playful tone. Belgians use the phrase exactly like the French, often in the context of food. In the French-speaking part of Switzerland, it is a common way to show polite disagreement.
Watch the lips
The phrase is very literal—it's all about the lips!
It's not always rude
In France, it's a normal way to show you aren't convinced.
Meaning
To push out one's lips to show displeasure or sulkiness.
Watch the lips
The phrase is very literal—it's all about the lips!
It's not always rude
In France, it's a normal way to show you aren't convinced.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Quand il a vu le prix, il a ______ la moue.
The subject is 'il', so we use the third-person singular of 'faire'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
The idiom always uses the definite article 'la'.
Match the situation to the reaction.
Someone offers you food you hate.
Pouting is a natural reaction to something you dislike.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'On doit travailler samedi.' B: 'Oh non ! Il ______ la moue.'
The past tense is appropriate here as it describes a reaction to a specific event.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesQuand il a vu le prix, il a ______ la moue.
The subject is 'il', so we use the third-person singular of 'faire'.
Choose the best option.
The idiom always uses the definite article 'la'.
Someone offers you food you hate.
Pouting is a natural reaction to something you dislike.
A: 'On doit travailler samedi.' B: 'Oh non ! Il ______ la moue.'
The past tense is appropriate here as it describes a reaction to a specific event.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot necessarily. It's a common way to show mild disagreement.
Yes, adults 'font la moue' all the time.
They are similar, but 'bouder' is more about sulking.
Related Phrases
Faire la tête
similarTo sulk
Bouder
synonymTo pout/sulk
Faire une grimace
similarTo make a face
Tirer la tronche
similarTo look grumpy
