> I just spoke to a friend who's newly pregnant, and I heard myself
> using the phrase "with child." Seems an interesting locution. Unknown
> in latin languages--the French are full when pregnant (and satisfied
> after a meal), for instance.
In my rather intimate experience in this matter, the French either frown or
laugh at the expression, "Je suis plein", after a good meal. One formally
says, "J'ai bien mange." (with an accent).
I learned this first as an exchange student in Normandy - sitting between my
16 and 18 year old 'sisters' (already infatuated, as it were) - at the end
of my first lunch and announcing to one and all, "Je suis plein." The girls
blushed and the parents looked confused at my whacky French.
Only later to learn from the sisters that I had announced that I was
pregnant. My turn to blush.
Oh well - all artists - at least occasionally - on some level or other "are
pregnant." I guess I was precocious!
Stephen V
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