Beaucoup
Davaron Stockman, age 20, LaPlace, Lousiana. Collected on May 22, 2016 via iphone.
Verbal Lore: slang
Language: French
United States of America/ France
Comes from French phrase “merci beaucoup” or “thanks a lot”, typically used to mean “a lot or too much”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cs6mXe8ipo
“Well, first off we have the word beaucoup. It is the French word for a lot. Growing up I would always hear my mom, um family members, use the word beaucoup in a way of saying there’s a lot of something. So, I would hear my mom say things like I have beaucoup money or you don’t have to worry about paying for that. I have beaucoup this, beaucoup that. Its just, Its just a word for a lot.”
Collector Commentary: The term is a French word that has been absorbed into colloqiuial New orleans English speech. As such, it is a french word that is used in French speaking places but,it is unique as a NO slang word beause it is used in English speech as a synonym for “a lot.”
Tags/ Keywords: Beaucoup, French, a lot,