This French word might be handy if you’re stuck in a very boring meeting (and not only if you fancy a snack).
Why do I need to know tartine?
This French word is used to describe a dish involving a slice of bread but also a very long speech.
What does it mean?
The word tartine, roughly pronounced tar-teen (listen here), has two different meanings. Literally, it is used to describe a slice of bread with butter, jam or other savoury spreads like cheese or pâté. That’s why you might see in French grocery stores Nutella advertised as pâte à tartiner (chocolate spread).
You can also find une tartine on the menu in restaurants to describe some kind of toasted bread with various toppings.
The French ER-verb tartiner is thus used to describe the action of spreading something on a piece of bread. Example: je vais tartiner le pain de beurre – I will spread butter on the bread.
It can likewise suggest something applied or spread generously – for instance, you might hear tartine-toi de crème solaire, meaning “make sure to apply a thick layer of sunscreen.”
It’s not used however, to talking about ‘spreading’ gossip or rumours.
But une tartine does have a non-literal meaning – it can also refer to a very long speech or a tedious, overly elaborate explanation. In this instance, it is paired with the verb faire (to make).
Use it like this
Je t’ai fait des tartines à la confiture ce matin. – I made you toast with jam this morning.
Le vrai gourmet est celui qui se délecte d’une tartine de beurre comme d’un homard grillé. (Colette) – A true gourmet is someone who savours a slice of bread and butter just as much as a grilled lobster. (citation by French author Colette)
Il nous a fait une tartine sur son projet. – He went on and on about his project.
