The French Expression 'C'est le pied'

The French expression c'est le pied means that something is great, terrific. This positive meaning of pied is left over from old slang, in which it referred to one's share of the loot.

C'est le pied can also be negated: ce n'est pas le pied and—even more familiarly—c'est pas le pied mean "it's no good, no picnic, no fun." Ne is often dropped in informal/familiar French.

• Expression: C'est le pied
• Pronunciation: [say leu pyay]
• Meaning: it's great
• Literal translation: it's the foot
• Register: familiar

Examples of Using C'est le Pied

Tu dois voir ma nouvelle bagnole - c'est le pied !

   You've got to see my new car - it's great! 

Travailler de nuit, ce n'est pas le pied.

   Working nights is no picnic.

• Synonymous expression: quel pied ! (But be careful, because that can also mean "what an idiot!" Context is everything.)
• Related expression: prendre son pied - to get one's kicks, enjoy doing (particularly when talking about sex)