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Are you ready to learn everything you need to know about the basic expression “Occupe-toi de tes oignons”?
More precisely, it includes a complete definition of what it is and how to use it in a dialogue with an audio example. But wait, we also sprinkled some useful informations like slow pronunciation audio, synonym, dialogue example and more!
By the way, on this page you will find more of these expressions explained and the directory of all our French words guides on this page. Wish you a happy learning!
Slow pronunciation
Normal pronunciation
The literal meaning is:
This French saying is a way to express “Mind your own business / It’s none of your business“. Because it’s informal, the closest expression in English would be “None of your beeswax“.
But what’s the link with onions?!
This expression comes from the 20th century, where the term “Oignon” (Onion) was slang for both the feet and the ass. It also referred to a mark of independence from women who had a piece of land to grow their onions and sell them.
So “Occupe-toi de tes oignons” became a way to say “Mind your own business. My onion(s), my life“.
Use it like you would use “Mind your own business” in English, but beware that it’s familiar, so avoid using it in formal situations. For a formal version, I recommend you to use “Ça ne vous concerne pas” (It doesn’t concern you).