- NEW!
by alphabetgreen on November 6th, 2006
Quite literally, it is the French translation for 'I don't know'. However, it is usually employed by pretentious critics of aesthetic items such as food, art, music etc, to create a false aura of subtlety. In other words, anybody who says it, unless they are French and clueless, is a cretin. I hope this answers your question.
by Joe-Speedy on October 8th, 2006
It means "I don't know." Once upon a time the phrase was "Je ne sais pas." Over time the phrase has been truncated and altered to the version above.
What Persian word does pashmina come from?
by Answerbag Staff on April 23rd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does\"in the land of\"mean?
by Answerbag Staff on April 22nd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does bottom line mean?
by Answerbag Staff on April 22nd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does "Lickity Split" refer to?
by Weylon on January 8th, 2012
| 1 person likes this
Who is on your mind 25-7
by ChelseaLee on January 14th, 2012
| 3 people like this
You're reading What does the phrase "je ne sais pas" mean?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
You're right that "Je ne sais pas" means "I don't know" but I think that's "je ne sais quoi" you are describing, which if taken literally means "I don't know what" - slight but important difference.
Assuming you don't speak or think in French - If you use "je ne sais pas" when you are trying to describe something but can't find the words, then that is indeed a very douche move.
But "je ne sais quoi" as an expression in the English language is actually quite useful, it connotes a mystery and foreignness useful and relevant to the meaning. Not pure douche baggery anyway,...probably close.
by trackpad on May 15th, 2010