Jean-jacques (en. Jean jacques)

/ʒɑ̃ ʒak/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A compound masculine name, often associated with notable figures in history.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a famous philosopher.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau est un philosophe célèbre.

A way to evoke a man of great intellectual finesse.

In this discussion, he appears as a true jean-jacques.

Dans cette discussion, il apparaît comme un véritable jean-jacques.

The name Jean-Jacques derives from the Hebrew 'Yaakov' and 'Jean', meaning respectively 'to supplant' and 'God grants grace'.

a true jean-jacques

An expression used to refer to a very wise or intellectual person.

un vrai jean-jacques

to act like a jean-jacques

To have a sophisticated or thoughtful attitude.

faire le jean-jacques

Rousseau

18th-century Genevan philosopher and writer, known for his ideas on freedom and education.

Rousseau

philosophy

The field of study that deals with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values.

philosophie

A man who takes himself too seriously.

This guy is a real jean-jacques, always discussing philosophy.

Ce type est un vrai jean-jacques, toujours à discuter de philosophie.

An ironic reference to someone who behaves pedantically.

Don't be a jean-jacques, relax a little.

Ne sois pas un jean-jacques, détends-toi un peu.