In 15 Seconds
- A colorful way to say 'to have a drink'.
- Literally means throwing a drink behind your necktie.
- Best used with friends in a casual, social setting.
Meaning
This is a colorful way to say you're going to have a drink, usually an alcoholic one, and quickly. It implies tossing one back or knocking a drink down your throat.
Key Examples
3 of 6Inviting a friend after work
On s'en jette un derrière la cravate après le boulot ?
Shall we toss one back after work?
At a family BBQ
Papy s'en est jeté un petit derrière la cravate pour fêter ça.
Grandpa knocked one back to celebrate.
Describing a festive atmosphere
Tout le monde s'en jetait un derrière la cravate au mariage.
Everyone was having a drink at the wedding.
Cultural Background
The 'apéro' is a sacred social ritual. Using idioms like this shows you understand the relaxed, non-judgmental nature of this time of day. In Belgium, where beer culture is king, this phrase is just as popular as in France, often used when ordering a 'chope' (beer). While understood, Quebecers have their own colorful drinking expressions like 'se rincer le dalot'. 'Derrière la cravate' sounds very 'European French' to them. This phrase is part of the 'Titi Parisien' identity—the stereotypical cheeky, working-class Parisian character found in old films.
The 'Petit' Trick
Add 'petit' (un petit derrière la cravate) to sound even more like a native. It makes the act sound more modest and friendly.
Don't overdo it
Using this phrase too often might make you sound like you have a drinking problem. Use it for the first drink, not the tenth!
In 15 Seconds
- A colorful way to say 'to have a drink'.
- Literally means throwing a drink behind your necktie.
- Best used with friends in a casual, social setting.
What It Means
Imagine you are wearing a nice necktie. Now imagine 'throwing' a glass of wine or beer so fast it goes right past that tie. It means to have a drink. Usually, it refers to an alcoholic beverage. It is a very visual, old-school way to describe drinking.
How To Use It
You use it when you want to sound like a local. It replaces the boring verb boire. You can use it as a suggestion to friends. You can also use it to describe your own plans. Just remember to conjugate the reflexive verb se. For example, on s'en jette un ? means 'shall we have one?'
When To Use It
Use this at the end of a long workday. It is perfect for the 'apéro' hour in France. Use it when you meet a buddy at a café. It’s great for festive occasions like weddings or birthdays. It suggests a relaxed, celebratory mood. It implies you aren't just sipping; you're enjoying yourself.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a job interview. Avoid it when talking to your boss about professional matters. It is way too casual for a funeral or a serious ceremony. If you are at a doctor's appointment, stick to boire. Using it in formal settings might make you sound like you have a drinking problem. Keep it for happy, social moments.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the 19th century. Back then, men wore high collars and cravats (ties). The 'cravate' became a slang term for the throat itself. So, throwing one 'behind the tie' literally meant putting it down your throat. It captures the French love for the 'art de vivre' and social drinking. It’s a classic 'bistrot' expression.
Common Variations
You might hear s'en jeter un petit derrière la cravate. Adding petit (small) makes it sound more modest. Sometimes people just say s'en jeter un. You might also hear se rincer la dalle, which is even more slangy. Another version is s'en envoyer un, which means the same thing.
Usage Notes
This is a classic 'argotique' expression. It sits firmly in the informal register. It's perfect for social bonding but should be avoided in any context where you need to show formal respect.
The 'Petit' Trick
Add 'petit' (un petit derrière la cravate) to sound even more like a native. It makes the act sound more modest and friendly.
Don't overdo it
Using this phrase too often might make you sound like you have a drinking problem. Use it for the first drink, not the tenth!
The 'En' is Key
Never forget the 'en'. Without it, the phrase loses its idiomatic 'flow' and sounds like a grammatical error.
Examples
6On s'en jette un derrière la cravate après le boulot ?
Shall we toss one back after work?
A classic invitation for a post-work drink.
Papy s'en est jeté un petit derrière la cravate pour fêter ça.
Grandpa knocked one back to celebrate.
Shows the phrase used in a multi-generational family setting.
Tout le monde s'en jetait un derrière la cravate au mariage.
Everyone was having a drink at the wedding.
Describes a group of people enjoying themselves.
Viens au bar, on va s'en jeter un !
Come to the bar, we're gonna have one!
Shortened version often used in texts.
Attention, ne t'en jette pas trop derrière la cravate ce soir !
Careful, don't knock too many back tonight!
Playful teasing between coworkers who are friends.
C'était sympa de s'en jeter un ensemble hier.
It was nice to have a drink together yesterday.
Expressing appreciation for a shared social moment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct pronominal form.
Après le match, nous ______ ______ jetons un derrière la cravate.
The subject is 'nous', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'nous'. The 'en' always follows.
Which situation is appropriate for this phrase?
When can you say 'On s'en jette un derrière la cravate'?
This is an informal idiom used for social drinking.
Finish the dialogue naturally.
Paul: 'J'ai enfin fini de tondre la pelouse !' Marc: 'Bravo ! Viens, ______ ______ ______ ______ derrière la cravate.'
'On s'en jette un' is the most natural way to suggest a shared drink in this context.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'S'en jeter un derrière la cravate' with its best English equivalent.
Both phrases mean to have a quick alcoholic drink.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAprès le match, nous ______ ______ jetons un derrière la cravate.
The subject is 'nous', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'nous'. The 'en' always follows.
When can you say 'On s'en jette un derrière la cravate'?
This is an informal idiom used for social drinking.
Paul: 'J'ai enfin fini de tondre la pelouse !' Marc: 'Bravo ! Viens, ______ ______ ______ ______ derrière la cravate.'
'On s'en jette un' is the most natural way to suggest a shared drink in this context.
Match 'S'en jeter un derrière la cravate' with its best English equivalent.
Both phrases mean to have a quick alcoholic drink.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it will be seen as a joke. The phrase is 99% reserved for alcohol.
No, it's not rude, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'wanna grab a cold one?' in English.
Yes, though historically it was more masculine. Today, anyone can use it in a casual setting.
It stands for 'un verre' (a glass) or 'un coup' (a drink).
Yes, but often with a bit of irony or 'vintage' cool. Young people might prefer 'boire un verre' or more modern slang.
Yes: 'On s'en est jeté un derrière la cravate hier soir.'
Literally yes, but figuratively it means the throat.
The formal version is simply 'Prendre un verre' or 'Consommer une boisson'.
It's better to say 'la cravate'. French uses definite articles for body-related idioms.
It's mostly a France/Belgium expression. In Switzerland or Canada, they have their own variations.
Related Phrases
Boire un coup
similarTo have a drink
Se rincer la dalle
synonymTo have a drink (slang)
Prendre un verre
similarTo have a glass/drink
S'en envoyer un derrière la cravate
synonymTo toss one back
