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Ce n'est pas mardi gras aujourd'hui

French expressions analyzed and explained

By , About.com Guide

Expression: Ce n'est pas mardi gras aujourd'hui

Pronunciation: [seu nay pa mar dee gra o joor dwee]

Meaning: what you're wearing is ridiculous

Literal translation: today isn't Mardi gras

Register: normal

Notes: The French expression ce n'est pas mardi gras aujourd'hui is used to tease someone who is wearing something ridiculous. Mardi gras is famous for crazy costumes and elaborate masks - pretty much the more flamboyant, the better. But on any other day of the year, wearing something outrageous is likely to be mocked.

Example
   Charley, qu'est-ce que tu portes ? Ce n'est pas mardi gras aujourd'hui !
   Charley, what on earth are you wearing? You look ridiculous!

Similar expression: se croire à mardi gras, literally "to believe oneself (to be) at Mardi gras," is another way of mocking what someone is wearing:

   Il se croit à mardi gras.
   He's dressed as if he's at Mardi gras, He looks absurd.

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