Wineshop in Marais with tricolor

[Arild Krovoll]

 

Just a month ago, I was walking in rue des Rosiers, the Jewish quarters in Marais.

 

I stopped by a wineshop looking at something very familar, but very strange!

 

In the window two bottles of an expensive Judean Hills redwine were displayed, between these two  three small flags:

 

the Norwegian, the French and the Union Jack

 

I have never seen Norway associated with winemaking, what do you think could be the purpose of this display?

 

 

[Benoît]

You mean you associate Great Britain with winemaking?
Oh my god ! ^^
Sorry for this "arrogant French remark", but it was so tempting (can't help myself)...

By the way, I have no idea about the association with Norway (even odder than with GB).

Question: How do you translate "non plus", for example in "Je n'ai pas non plus la moindre idée"? "neither"?

[stu harris]

In some contexts, either would be better than neither.

 

I have no idea either.

 

Moi non plus all on its own gets us into a controversy. Me neither is the correct expression but the vernacular Me either is gaining popularity. Personally I hate it.

[Neil Coffey]

Stu -- I wonder if that's just US usage. In UK English I think it would generally be me neither (or I don't either)-- at least, that's what I've always heard.

[stu harris]

Yes, it is US. However, past experience shows that the more deplorable corruptions of the language travel Eastwards across the Atlantic with remarkable speed.

[Benoît]

Many thanks !

I'll try to remember to use "Me neither" instead of the dreadful "Me either".
I don't like neither (either?... Goddamn it! It's not easy...) certain "popularized" expressions.

[Will Sheard]

I agree with the neither/either distinction being made here. 

 

There is, however, a further option in translating this phrase, namely:

 

Je n'ai pas non plus la moindre idée.

I haven't the faintest/slightest idea either.

 

This brings the adjectival part of the phrase (i.e. moindre) to the fore. I suggest this because I think there is an alternative for no idea:

 

Moi, je n'ai aucune idée non plus.

I have no idea either.

[Benoît]

Thanks, I'll remember both "slightest idea" and "bring to the fore"...

[Arild Krovoll]

Paris, Marais, Rue des Rosiers