être pendu aux basques

This idiom likely stems from a time when clothing was more elaborate, especially skirts (basques refer to the skirts or flaps of a coat or tunic). Imagine a child or a very devoted follower literally hanging onto the hem of someone's long skirt or coat. This close, almost physical attachment became a metaphor for persistent, sometimes unwelcome, attention. It’s a visual that’s hard to forget, making the meaning stick. Perhaps it originated in courtly life or even from street performers who would literally cling to passersby. It’s a wonderfully tactile image for an annoying situation.

You use être pendu aux basques when someone is being overly persistent or clingy. It's usually directed at the person who is doing the clinging, or said about them to someone else. Think of a friend who constantly asks for favors, or a salesperson who won't leave you alone in a store. It implies a level of annoyance and a desire for the person to back off. You're essentially saying, 'Get off my back!' or 'Stop bothering me!'

• At a café: "J'essaie de lire mon livre, mais mon petit frère est pendu à mes basques depuis une heure." (I'm trying to read my book, but my little brother has been hanging on my coattails for an hour.)
• On social media: "Ce commentaire spamme mon post depuis ce matin, il est vraiment pendu à mes basques !" (This comment has been spamming my post since this morning, they're really clinging to my coattails!)
• In a professional setting: "Le client ne cesse de demander des mises à jour, il est pendu à nos basques pour ce projet." (The client keeps asking for updates, he's hanging on our coattails for this project.)

Use this phrase when someone is being genuinely bothersome with their persistence. It works well for describing a child who won't leave their parent alone, a friend who's always asking for rides or money, or even a persistent salesperson. It's perfect for when you feel a bit suffocated by someone's constant attention or demands. It adds a bit of colorful drama to your complaint! It's great for expressing a feeling of being overwhelmed.

Don't use this if someone is genuinely seeking help or offering sincere support. If your friend is going through a tough time and needs you, calling them pendu aux basques would be incredibly rude and insensitive. Also, avoid it in very formal settings unless you're quoting someone or describing a situation humorously and carefully. It's generally too informal and critical for official reports or serious discussions. Think of it as a colorful complaint, not a neutral observation.

A common slip-up is using it for someone who is simply friendly or helpful. You might think your colleague who always asks about your weekend is pendu aux basques, but they're probably just being nice! Also, learners sometimes confuse it with simply following someone. The key is the *annoyance* and *persistence*. It's not just about proximity; it's about the irritating *way* they are close.

• ✗ "Mon ami m'a beaucoup aidé, il est pendu à mes basques." → ✓ "Mon ami m'a beaucoup aidé, il est très présent." (My friend helped me a lot, he's very present.)
• ✗ "Le chien est pendu aux basques de son maître." → ✓ "Le chien suit son maître partout." (The dog follows its owner everywhere.)

• Coller quelqu'un: To stick to someone, very similar. Often used for children.
• Être un pot de colle: To be a glue pot; someone who sticks to you.
• Ne pas lâcher quelqu'un: To not let someone go; to be persistent.
• Rendre chèvre: To drive someone crazy; the result of being pendu aux basques.

• Is it always negative? Yes, it implies annoyance.
• Can I use it for myself? Rarely, maybe humorously.
• What kind of 'clinging'? Usually persistent requests or unwanted attention.