French Expression of the Day: En grande pompe
This French expression is all about making a big impression.
Why do I need to know en grande pompe?
This expression will often be used in French news, particularly when talking about politicians, royal visits, or any kind of major ceremony.
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What does it mean?
The French expression en grande pompe, roughly pronounced ahn grahnd pohmp (listen here), means doing something with great ceremony or spectacle, usually for an important occasion. It is often used when an event is particularly elaborate or formal, and it can sometimes be used with a slightly ironic tone suggesting that there is a lot of fuss surrounding it.
In the 12th century, the French borrowed pompe from Latin, where it referred to a lavish procession or ceremonial display. Over time, the word became associated with luxury and splendour. It is also used in expressions such as pompes funèbres, meaning funeral services. By the 17th century, it had given rise to the expression en grande pompe, used to describe something done with grandeur.
The word pompe also has several other meanings in French. It can refer to a pump of any kind, as in une pompe à chaleur (a heat pump). In informal French, les pompes is also a slang term for shoes (example: Je mets mes pompes et j’arrive. – I’m putting my shoes on, and I’m coming). In sports and fitness, une pompe means a push-up.
Use it like this
Le pape a été accueilli en grande pompe. – The pope was given a grand ceremonial welcome.
Ils ont inauguré le bâtiment en grande pompe. – They officially opened the building with a big ceremony.
Elle a fêté son mariage en grande pompe. – She celebrated her wedding with grandeur.
