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Argot and slang

Chapter 29: Y
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About This Book

A bilingual dictionary compiling cant, slang, and colorful colloquialisms from modern French speech, presented alphabetically with English equivalents and illustrative quotations; it includes a preface on the compiler’s method and sources, notes on variant spellings and editorial choices, and selective etymological comments. Entries record usages from literature, journalism, and oral informants, with occasional archaic or eccentric terms retained for completeness. The work aims to help English readers interpret vernacular language found in contemporary fiction and social reportage, and it cites authorities and examples to clarify meanings while limiting extensive historical derivations.

Y

Y (military), a du bon, good news.

Eh ben, mon vieux, y a du bon! les bleus ne vont pas y couper!—G. Courteline.

(Popular) Y a pas mèche, it is impossible.

Mais y paraît qu’l’il’ des Pins, y a pas mèche.
Y a déjà quelqu’un c’est épatant.
L’gouvernement maronn’! Moi j’suis content.
J’suis en bateau et j’ai lâché la dèche.
Gringoire, Le Contentement du Récidiviste, à l’ancre!

Yeux, m. pl. (familiar), culottés, eyes surrounded with a dark circle; —— en trou de vrille, small eyes with stupid expression.

Youte, or youtre, m. (popular), Jew. From the German. Termed also “frisé, pied plat, guinal,” and, in the English slang, “ikey, sheney, mouchey.” Jardin des youtres, Jewish cemetery.

Youtrerie, f. (popular), gathering of Jews; avarice.

You-you, m. (convicts’), warder at the penal servitude settlement.