Le French Boyfriend and I speak a bizarre mix of Franglish or Français – normally, he speaks French and I reply in English, which never fails to bring up some bizzaro language peculiarity. A few weeks ago it was a gorgeous, sunny day, and we were walking down the Ile St. Louis in search of bread and a few household essentials.

“J’ai soif,” I said to him in French. I’m thirsty.

“Ah bon, t’as soif?” he replied with a sneaky grin? Oh yeah? You’re thirsty?

“Umm…yes…” I continued in English. “It’s hot out. I’m thirsty.”

“Ok, so we go to get some rosé,” he suggested, continuing in the direction of the Nicholas wine boutique.

“No, I’m thirsty. I want water. Or juice or something. Not like, j’ai soif pour la bière.“

Often, when you’re drinking alcohol or partying, someone may ask you, “T’as soif?” as a way of asking you if you want a drink. Conversely, saying, “J’ai soif” can also mean, “I want a drink.” As in, gimme a freakin’ vodka tonic.

“You know,” I told him, “This is something I really don’t understand. You say in French I’m thirsty but there’s no distinction over whether you want to get crunk or if your throat is dry.”

“I do not see the problem? If I say I’m thirsty, I just want something to drink, it doesn’t matter if it’s beer or wine.”

“But if you’re really thirsty, you’re going to drink a beer?”

“Yes. Why not?”

Why not. Pourquoi pas. The answer to all things French.