copains comme cochons

French

Etymology

Literally, “friends like pigs”. The expression cochon in this expression is possibly not linked to the actual animal, as it is the basis of many negative expressions in French, and not normally considered a social animal. It has been proposed that older words like soçon (“friend”) (or a variation such as the 19th century Parisian chochon) or cosson (“merchant”) might have been altered into a more common word when they fell out of use.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kɔ.pɛ̃ kɔm kɔ.ʃɔ̃/

Adjective

copains comme cochons (plural only)

1. (simile) thick as thieves

Usage notes

• Also used in the singular, though less commonly: see copain comme cochon.

See also

• comme larrons en foire
• comme cul et chemise