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 make fun of 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.
Post your comments about the French expression ce n'est pas mardi gras aujourd'hui on my French blog - just hit "comments" at the bottom of the post.
Ce n'est pas mardi gras aujourd'hui
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