Few French people actually think about mashed potatoes when using this expression.
Why do I need to know purée?
It’s a swearword you can use in front of basically anyone.
What does it mean?
As a swearword, purée falls among the really harmless insults that you may use as you please. It literally translates as ‘mashed’, usually referring to mashed potatoes but other options are available (see below).
But when you hear someone exclaim Oh purée ! it’s being used as a kind of fake swearword.
It is kind of like saying ‘oh sugar!’ instead of ‘Oh shit’ if you drop a vase in front of your kids. Even an old, posh French lady could probably hear you exclaim purée without frowning.
Use it like this
Use purée like you use putain – which French people tend to do constantly (read more about putain here) – just without the fear of offending someone nearby.
Tu as vu l’heure? Purée, on est en retard – Did you see the time? Shoot, we’re running late
Purée, il pleut ! – Oh darn, it’s raining!
Purée, on a pas fait assez de purée – Oh sod it, we didn’t make enough mashed potatoes.
Another French variant is punaise (bug) – as with purée, it’s not the word itself that is important it’s the letter that it starts with, which lets everyone know that what you mean is ‘putain‘, but you’re too polite to say it.
You mentioned mashed potato alternatives?
In its primary sense, purée really refers to a delightful side dish that is mashed potatoes. Although the most traditional version is crushed pommes de terres (potatoes) mixed with a generous lump of butter, purée technically means “mash” and you can use in front of all mashed veggies:
Purée aux épinards – mashed spinach
Purée de carotte – mashed carrots
Purée de pois cassés – mashed peas
Or (personal favourite) Purée aux truffes – mashed potatoes with truffle oil.
