French Expression: S'envoyer en l'air

Summary

A cheeky and elegant French way to say "to have sex" — but literally about sending yourself flying! This expression adds a poetic touch to intimate conversations and is perfect for intermediate learners who want to understand French subtlety.

S'envoyer en l'air

Extract / Intro Description

If you hear someone in France saying they "sent themselves in the air," they're not talking about skydiving or trampolines. This refined expression is the French way of describing intimate moments with a touch of elegance. It's a perfect example of how French transforms even the most basic human experiences into poetry.

Difficulty & Formality

Difficulty

65% – Intermediate

Formality

70% – Casual to semi-formal, but elegant

Usage Context

Intimate conversations, songs, literature

Meaning

Literal translation:

To send oneself in the air

Real meaning:

To have sex (in a poetic and refined way)

This expression evokes the sensation of "flying" or "soaring" during intimate moments, transforming a basic concept into something almost lyrical.

Example

French:

Ils se sont envoyés en l'air tout le week-end.

English:

They had a great time together all weekend long.

Origin / Fun Fact

This expression plays on the metaphor of physical elevation and the sensation of "flying" during moments of pleasure. While it might sound old-fashioned today, it's still used in French songs and romantic literature to add a touch of class to intimate references. It's the French way of being suggestive without being crude.

Variations Based on Formality

Phrase
Meaning
Formality Level

On s'est envoyés en l'air

We had sex

Casual / elegant

Faire l'amour

To make love

Semi-formal / romantic

Coucher ensemble

To sleep together

Formal / neutral

Your Turn

Have you noticed how different languages have poetic ways to talk about intimate topics? What's the most elegant expression you know in your language?

Share your thoughts in the comments below — we love discovering cultural differences in language!

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