Gourmande

There are some English words for which there are absolutely no equivalents in French. One I've tried and tried to find the translation for is the word "wedgie" - a quick fun English word describing the back part of one's underwear being pinched between one's butt cheeks. Alas, there is no French word to describe this notion, which amazes me. You know how the Eskimos have like thousands of words for snow? Well, if you extend that rationale and see that the word "wedgie" does not exist in French, well, does that mean the French have never ever experienced this rather annoying but temporary (though sometimes recurring) and ultimately harmless situation?

Likewise, there are some French words for which there are no direct equivalents in English. "Gourmande" is one. You can say that Manolee is "gourmande" because she loves to eat. When you see someone taking third and fourth helpings of dessert, for example, that person would sheepishly look at you and say, "eh, je suis gourmande, eh?". You hear parents say, not altogether disapprovingly, "ma fille est plutot gourmande". Gourmande is not greedy - I thought it was, but it's not, because the English word "greedy" has a slight (or more than slight) negative connotation. Gourmande, as far as I can tell, does not have a negative connotation. A touch of apologetic tinge, perhaps, but it is not bad or rude to call somebody gourmande. You can call food items gourmande as well, if it's elaborately prepared and/or presented - which is why I had to chuckle when I found this on a restaurant menu the other day (see the second item):