Summary
A charmingly French way to say "it's freezing cold" — literally about duck's cold! This weather expression combines animals with temperature in typical French style and is perfect for intermediate learners who want to sound natural when complaining about the weather.
Il fait un froid de canard
Extract / Intro Description
If you hear someone in France saying "it's a duck's cold," don't wonder about waterfowl thermometers — they're simply describing freezing weather. This popular expression perfectly captures that bone-chilling cold with French flair, showing how the language can make even weather complaints sound poetic.
Difficulty & Formality
45% – Intermediate
40% – Casual, quite informal
Winter weather complaints, seasonal discussions
Meaning
Literal translation:
It's a duck's cold
Real meaning:
It's freezing cold / it's bitterly cold
This expression captures that penetrating cold that makes you want to bundle up and stay indoors, just like ducks might feel during harsh winter weather.
Example
N'oublie pas ton manteau, il fait un froid de canard dehors !
Don't forget your coat, it's freezing cold outside!
Origin / Fun Fact
This expression dates back to hunting traditions when autumn and winter brought the coldest weather — perfect duck hunting season. When temperatures dropped dramatically, ducks would venture out more often searching for food, making them easier targets for hunters. The extreme cold became associated with duck hunting, and "froid de canard" became the French way to describe bitter cold weather.
Variations Based on Formality
Phrase
Meaning
Formality Level
On se pèle le cul / les miches
We're freezing our asses off
Il fait un froid de canard
It's freezing cold
Il fait très froid
It's very cold
Your Turn
What's the coldest weather you've ever experienced? Do you have a colorful way to describe freezing temperatures in your language?
Share your cold weather stories in the comments below — we'd love to hear how you survive the "froid de canard"!
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About Alexis
Alexis is the creator behind the popular Instagram accounts @french.expressions and @expresiones.francesas, where thousands of language learners discover French idioms through engaging visual content.
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