This is a determine you’re prone to encounter in early December, however one which additionally has a wider which means.
Why do I must know Père Fouettard?
Because you need to keep away from him!
What does it imply?
Père Fouettard is a conventional determine within the Saint Nicolas Day celebrations which occur in japanese France on December sixth.
The identify actually interprets as ‘Father whipping’ and Père Fouettard is the customer that naughty kids get. While well-behaved kids get a go to from Saint Nicolas who brings them small items like sweets or gingerbread, unhealthy kids get a go to from Père Fouettard, who brings a whip.
READ ALSO The further pageant that a few of France celebrates in December
As a determine he’s barely controversial as he’s historically attended by three black servants, though this custom shouldn’t be actually noticed any extra.
But Père Fouettard, due to his position of scaring youngsters, is usually utilized in a extra generic approach to imply a bogeyman or determine of concern.
In this context, his identify may be heard all yr spherical, not simply to scare naughty youngsters in December.
Use it like this
Père Fouettard rend visite aux vilains enfants – Père Fouettard visits the unhealthy youngsters
l’Union européenne est devenue le père fouettard – The European Union has turn out to be the bogeyman
