Joyeuse Halloween ?

Jay R.A1Kwiziq community member

Joyeuse Halloween ?

If Halloween is feminine, shouldn’t the expression be joyeuse Halloween instead of joyeux?

Asked 3 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Jay,

I would have said -

Joyeux Halloween !

was correct and if you do an internet search and in particular look at the images, you will find both but maybe more masculine form.

As it is an American import there will always be some contention.

Incidentally, Joyeuse Halloween and Joyeux Halloween sound the same, the -h being mute.

Hope this helps!

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Jay,

This is a tricky point that you raise with respect to "Halloween"

Both "joyeuse" and "Joyeux" are used through the French-speaking world.

Another issue that complicates the matter is whether or not the "h" is mute or aspirated.

There is a solution however -- why not just say "La joyeuse fête d'Halloween" ?

Jim

Manu S.A2Kwiziq community member

To my knowledge, any words coming from another language other than French, considered as masculine.  In this case, Halloween is not a French word.  It is coming from English (contraction of All Hallow Even). So Joyeux Hallowe'en.

Luke N.Kwiziq community member

That's a great question!

Alexia R.C1Kwiziq community member

Cecile is wrong. Sorry, Cecile! :)

The answer is:

Joyeuse Halloween is Canadian (Québec) French

Joyeux Halloween is France French.

Simple as that! :) That's why we see both versions online!

I live in Québec and today, as it's Halloween Day, we say Joyeuse Halloween! :)
But in France, they're saying Joyeux Halloween!

So it really depends on your reader! :)

CécileKwiziq team member

Merci Alexia,

I’m always prepared to learn.

Halloween didn’t exist in France when I lived there as a child. I only discovered it with my children in England.
Alors,

Joyeux/joyeuse Halloween!. 

 

 

 

 

Joyeuse Halloween ?

If Halloween is feminine, shouldn’t the expression be joyeuse Halloween instead of joyeux?

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