Provençal expression

Es uno basareto

The Body

Literal translation

he's a chatterbox

Meaning

he's an incessant talker

Explanation

This phrase describes a person who talks incessantly, often without saying much. The word itself does not appear as such in our attested dictionaries, but it clearly belongs to the family of the verb meaning to chatter, a verb widely present in Provençal vocabulary for anything related to abundant, light talk. The ending gives the word the feel of a nickname, the kind Provençal often coins to pin a character trait onto a familiar, almost affectionate name despite the implicit reproach. The expression is filed, in our sources, under the theme of the body, which suggests a link to the idea of a mouth or tongue that never stops, far more than to a purely abstract moral flaw. It is used in familiar speech to complain, with a touch of amused irritation, about someone, man or woman, who monopolizes the conversation and leaves no room for others. In English it corresponds to a 'chatterbox' or someone who never stops talking.

Browse all 432 Provençal expressions

Other expressions on the same theme

Esquicha la gargamelloto grip the throat, strangle Èstre tapa coumo Sant Jòrgito be bundled up in many warm layers Faire esquinetoto give someone a leg up Paraulo longo fan lei jou courttoo much talk wastes the day S'embrassa coumo de cougourdoto embrace warmly, with emotion Sembla l'àngi Boufarèuto have plump, round cheeks