The Evolution of French Greetings: From Old French to Modern Day

French greetings have a rich history that reflects the evolution of the language and culture. This article traces the development of French salutations from their roots in Old French to their current forms in modern usage.

Origins in Old French

Old French, spoken between the 9th and 14th centuries, had several greeting forms that might sound unfamiliar to modern speakers.

• "Dieu vous garde" (God keep you)
• "Salut et fraternité" (Health and brotherhood)
• "Je vous salue" (I salute you)
• "Bien le bonjour" (Good day to you)
• "Que Dieu vous bénisse" (May God bless you)
• "Ave" (Hail, borrowed from Latin)
• "Oyez" (Hear ye, often used to grab attention)
• "Holà" (Hello, similar to modern "Ohé")
• "Dieu vous doint bon jour" (God give you good day)
• "Beau sire" (Fair sir, a respectful address)

Middle French Transitions

During the Middle French period (14th to 16th centuries), greetings began to resemble more closely what we recognize today.

Notable Middle French Greetings:

• "Bonjour" (Good day, becoming more common)
• "Bonsoir" (Good evening)
• "Adieu" (Farewell, literally "to God")
• "Comment vous portez-vous?" (How do you carry yourself?)
• "Je vous souhaite le bonjour" (I wish you good day)
• "Dieu vous garde" (Still in use from Old French)
• "Salutations" (Salutations)
• "Je vous présente mes respects" (I present my respects to you)
• "Enchanté" (Delighted, beginning to be used as a greeting)
• "Serviteur" (Your servant, used as a polite greeting)

Early Modern French

The 17th and 18th centuries saw further refinement of French greetings, with increasing emphasis on politeness and social status.

Greetings of this era included:

• "Je suis votre serviteur" (I am your servant)
• "Mes hommages, Madame" (My homage, Madam)
• "Permettez-moi de vous saluer" (Allow me to greet you)
• "Mes civilités" (My civilities)
• "J'ai l'honneur de vous saluer" (I have the honor of greeting you)
• "Agréez mes salutations distinguées" (Accept my distinguished greetings)
• "Votre humble serviteur" (Your humble servant)
• "Mes respects" (My respects)
• "Je vous baise les mains" (I kiss your hands)
• "Tout à vous" (All yours)

Modern French Greetings

Contemporary French greetings have become more streamlined while retaining some formal options for specific situations.

Common modern greetings:

• "Bonjour" (Hello/Good day)
• "Salut" (Hi, informal)
• "Coucou" (Hey, very informal)
• "Bonsoir" (Good evening)
• "Enchanté(e)" (Pleased to meet you)
• "Comment allez-vous?" (How are you?)
• "Ça va?" (How's it going? informal)
• "Wesh" (What's up? very informal, slang)
• "Bien le bonjour" (A warm hello, slightly formal)
• "Mes salutations" (My greetings, formal)

Impact of Technology on French Greetings

The digital age has introduced new ways of saying hello in French, particularly in written communication.

Online and texting greetings:

• "Slt" (Abbreviated "salut")
• "Bjr" (Abbreviated "bonjour")
• "Coucou" (Hey, commonly used in texts)
• "Hello" (Borrowed from English, common in emails)
• "Kikou" (Cutesy version of "coucou", informal)
• "o/" (Emoticon representing a waving hand)
• "Yo" (Borrowed from English, very informal)
• "Cc" (Abbreviated "coucou")
• "Bonjour à tous" (Hello everyone, for group chats or emails)
• "Hey" (Borrowed from English, informal)

Exercises

1. Match the following Old French greetings with their modern equivalents: a) Dieu vous garde b) Je vous salue c) Holà d) Bien le bonjour

2. In which period did "Bonjour" become a common greeting?

3. How would you greet someone formally in an 18th-century French salon?

4. What are three modern informal French greetings you might use with friends?

5. Identify two abbreviated greetings commonly used in French text messages.

Answers and Explanations

1. a) Dieu vous garde → Que Dieu vous bénisse b) Je vous salue → Bonjour c) Holà → Ohé or Salut d) Bien le bonjour → Bonjour

2. "Bonjour" became common during the Middle French period (14th to 16th centuries).

3. In an 18th-century French salon, you might say "J'ai l'honneur de vous saluer" or "Mes hommages, Madame/Monsieur".

4. Three modern informal French greetings: Salut, Coucou, Ça va?

5. Two abbreviated greetings in French text messages: Slt (salut), Bjr (bonjour)

Understanding the evolution of French greetings provides insight into the cultural and linguistic changes in French society over time. From the religiously influenced greetings of Old French to the efficient digital shorthand of today, French salutations continue to adapt while maintaining the importance of politeness and social connection.