Literal translation
to make eyes of a cuttlefish
Meaning
to gaze admiringly, a little foolishly
Explanation
The cuttlefish, that ink-spitting mollusk, suggests limpness more than a dreamy gaze. The origin likely lies elsewhere: shepherds once treated their animals' conjunctivitis with powdered cuttlebone, which soothed irritation and softened the eyes. Hence faire des yeux de seiche, to gaze with admiration, dreamily, a bit foolishly. A half-French variant, faire des yeux de sùpi, exists alongside the synonym bader, from Provençal bada, to gape. The small cuttlefish, supions, remain a prized dish, skewered or stewed.