What Does "Allez les Bleus!" Mean in French?
If you've ever watched a French football match, you've likely heard the passionate chant "Allez les Bleus!" echoing through the stadium.
But what exactly does this popular French expression mean, and why is it so important in French sports culture?
Let's break it down and add some essential vocabulary to your French language arsenal.
The Meaning of "Allez les Bleus!"
"Allez les Bleus!" is a rallying cry used to support French national sports teams, particularly in football (soccer). Here's a quick breakdown:
- English translation: "Go Blues!" or "Come on, Blues!"
- Literal meaning: "Go Blues!"
- Usage: To cheer for French national teams
- Pronunciation: [ah lay lay bluh]
- IPA: [a le le blø]
Why "Les Bleus"?
You might wonder why French teams are called "Les Bleus" (The Blues). There are two main reasons:
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Jersey color: French national team uniforms typically feature blue as the primary color, along with white and red to represent the French flag.
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Nickname: "Les Bleus" is a more engaging nickname than the official, rather formal team names like "L'Équipe de France de football".
Grammar Breakdown
Let's analyze the grammatical elements of this expression:
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Allez: This is the second-person plural imperative form of the verb "aller" (to go).
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Les: The definite article "the" in plural form.
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Bleus: The plural form of "bleu" (blue), used as a noun here.
Common Variations and Mistakes
While "Allez les Bleus!" is the correct form, you might occasionally hear some variations:
- Correct: Allez les Bleus!
- Incorrect: Aller les Bleus!
The infinitive "aller" is sometimes mistakenly used, but it's not appropriate in this context. When cheering, you want to use the direct imperative form "allez".
Other Uses of "Allez"
"Allez" isn't just for sports! It's also used as an informal interjection to encourage someone, similar to "come on" in English. For example:
- "Allez, viens ici." (Come on, come here.)
- "Allez, dis-moi." (Come on, tell me.)
French Team Nicknames
"Les Bleus" isn't the only nickname for French national teams:
- Les Tricolores: Another common nickname, referring to the three colors of the French flag.
- Les Bleues: Used for women's national teams.
Cultural Impact
"Allez les Bleus!" is more than just a cheer—it's a cultural phenomenon.
Until 2014, the phrase was actually trademarked by an individual who earned significant royalties from its use.
The rights were later reacquired by the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF).
Conclusion
"Allez les Bleus!" embodies the passion of French sports fans.
By understanding this expression, you're one step closer to experiencing French culture like a local.