what is "un Perle" (FRENCH)

Moni   Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:17 am GMT
I was watching the movie called Belle de Jour, where a whore house madame says to a client that Severine, on eof the whores, is "a pearl," while making a threading motion with her hands. The English translation is the same, "pearl," but what does it really mean?
Guest   Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:51 am GMT
That should be "une" (feminine), not "un" (masculine)

Perle in French means pearl, bead, or gem. It's been a long time since I've seen "Belle de Jour" so I don't remember that scene. If the madame was making a threading motion while referring to Severine as a "perle", then perhaps she was making a sexual innuendo. Think of how a pearl or bead is strung on a thread.
Guest   Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:55 am GMT
<< then perhaps she was making a sexual innuendo >>

Although "sexual innuendo" is not incorrect, I think a more accurate term would be "double entendre".
Guest   Fri Jul 27, 2007 7:30 pm GMT
"tu es une perle" would mean you are a very good, rare and unique person.
Guest   Mon Aug 06, 2007 5:32 am GMT
es una perla
como la perla Reyes
Earle   Sat Aug 11, 2007 7:54 pm GMT
Funny, the first thing I thought of was "Les Pecheurs de Perles" by Bizet...