A year in the merde – explained
'Merde' is probably one of the few French words english-speakers understand from a very early age. I can't remember how or why I happened to learn the French for 'shit', but in all likelihood it wasn't thanks to my French professor at school. 'Merde' also happens to be in the title of Stephen Clark's best-selling novel, a funny and well-observed take on French culture, in France, from a British perspective. Now the French, in their love of wordplay and puns as humour, tend to find this title somewhat offensive - as it suggests that France is shit. And seeing as the hero, Paul West, spends a year in France - this would seem to be the logical association. However if you've read the book, or indeed lived in France for any length of time, you would know that 'in the merde' actually implys 'stepping in shit'. This title alludes to the plotline of the book - as well as highlighting one of the most revolting facts of French life. That is - France is covered in dog shit. Nowhere [...]