Embarrassing mistakes and how to avoid (or at least rectify) them

Meet Jan and Edna, who are out picnicking with their families on a bright summer afternoon. Jan has just introduced Edna to the new brand of jam she is using and can’t stop raving about.

Edna: Cette confiture est le comble! Tu l’as trouvée où?

Jan: En fait, c’est le petit magasin qui a ouvert dans le coin. C’est top, non?

Edna: C’est le meilleur!

Jan: Et en plus c’est sans préservatifs!

Edna gives Jan a puzzled look, then bursts out laughing.

This is because ‘préservatif’ is the French word for ‘condom’. This trap is what we call a ‘faux amis’ (false friend) because while both words look similar, they have different origins and meanings. The correct way of saying ‘preservative’ in French is ‘conservateur’ (from the verb conserver which means to keep).

So, Jan should have said: Et en plus, c’est sans conservateurs!

Edna’s reaction, then, is quite understandable. Although I’m sure we would all be relieved to find out our food is free of contraceptive devices.