bontemps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (Common within specific cultural contexts like Louisiana, Mardi Gras, or French-language phrases)Informal / Colloquial (Can be elevated in artistic/cultural contexts)
Quick answer
What does “bontemps” mean?
A period of good times, enjoyment, merrymaking, or prosperity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A period of good times, enjoyment, merrymaking, or prosperity.
Often used in the idiomatic phrase 'bon temps rouler' (Cajun French for 'let the good times roll'), evoking a carefree, celebratory atmosphere, particularly associated with Mardi Gras and Southern U.S. culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'bon temps' is a recognisable French phrase meaning 'good times' but lacks specific cultural anchoring. In American English (particularly the Southern/Gulf Coast states), it is strongly tied to Cajun culture, Mardi Gras, and the catchphrase 'laissez les bon temps rouler'.
Connotations
British: Neutral French phrase; slightly literary or cosmopolitan. American: Strong connotations of Louisiana, Cajun joie de vivre, festivals, food, and music.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in general British usage. Low frequency in general American English but high frequency and recognition in Louisiana and surrounding cultural regions.
Grammar
How to Use “bontemps” in a Sentence
[Verb] the bon temps (e.g., enjoy, remember)The bon temps [Verb] (e.g., roll, are here)In/During the bon tempsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bontemps” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We aim to bon temps this weekend. (Incorrect – demonstrates misuse as a verb)
American English
- They sure know how to bon temps in New Orleans. (Informal/jocular use as a verb, meaning 'to have a good time')
adjective
American English
- The city has a bon temps atmosphere during the festival. (Informal attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused except in targeted marketing for tourism, food, or entertainment related to Louisiana.
Academic
Used in cultural studies, anthropology, or linguistics papers discussing Cajun culture or loan phrases.
Everyday
Limited to informal contexts, especially among those familiar with Mardi Gras or Southern culture. Often used as a festive toast or slogan.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bontemps”
- Writing as one word ('bontemps').
- Pronouncing the final 's'.
- Using it as a standalone adjective (e.g., 'a bon temps party').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In standard usage, it is two words: 'bon temps'. It is a direct borrowing from the French phrase meaning 'good times'.
In American English, it's often pronounced /ˌbɑːn ˈtɑːn/, with nasalised vowels and silent final consonants, approximating the French. In British English, it may be pronounced with a more anglicised /ˌbɒn ˈtɒn/.
Generally, no. It is an informal, culturally specific phrase. In formal contexts, use its English equivalents like 'good times' or 'festivities', unless specifically discussing the phrase itself.
The most common mistake is trying to use it as a normal English adjective (e.g., 'a bon temps party'). It functions as a noun phrase. The correct phrasing would be 'a party with bon temps' or 'a good-time party'.
A period of good times, enjoyment, merrymaking, or prosperity.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Laissez les bon temps rouler. (Let the good times roll.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BONfire at a good TEMPS (temperature) party where everyone is having a great time – that's 'bon temps'.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOOD TIMES ARE A MOVING FORCE (as in 'the good times roll').
Practice
Quiz
In which cultural context is the phrase 'bon temps' most specifically anchored in American English?