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Languages are funny — they shape not only how we speak, but also how we feel.
In English, you might say you’re feeling blue.
In Spanish, someone might have “la depre.”
But in France? When you’re sad, melancholic, or just a bit off… you say:
“J’ai le cafard.”
(Literally: I have the cockroach.)
Yes — the cockroach.
Not exactly the cuddliest of creatures, but somehow, it’s found its way into French emotions.
But why a cockroach?
French people don’t actually see cockroaches and get instantly sad (we promise).
The expression dates back to the 19th century, when the word cafard was linked to feelings of gloom and depression — possibly influenced by the insect’s association with the dark, damp, hidden places no one wants to linger in.
So when someone in France says “J’ai le cafard,” they mean:
“I’m feeling down. I’ve got a heavy heart. Things are a bit grey today.”
It’s poetic in its own way, no?
Sadness around the world: from blues to black dogs
Different cultures have different ways of expressing sadness.
And some are unexpectedly… funny:
• 🇬🇧 In English, we say “feeling blue” — a calm, melancholy sort of sadness.
• 🇩🇪 In German, someone might have a “black dog” (Schwarzer Hund) following them.
• 🇯🇵 In Japanese, sadness is sometimes described as “loneliness in the chest” (胸が寂しい).
• 🇸🇳 In Wolof (Senegal), you might say you have “a tight heart.”
But what about you?
In your language or culture, how do you describe that low, quiet sadness — the one that doesn’t shout, but just sits with you?
We’d love to know.
Drop us a message or share your expression in the comments — let’s build a dictionary of feelings, together.
Food for the soul
And if you do have le cafard today, we have a humble suggestion:
A warm slice of brioche.
A square of dark chocolate.
A comforting French tea.
Because sometimes, the best way to chase away the cockroach… is with a spoonful of something sweet.
