2009.113: One Word Can Mean So Much: Monsieur
Before I say the main thought about this, here's some context. If you
are female, just substitue "Madame" for Monsieur.
If it's a question as in "Monsieur?" it might mean "May I help you?" Or
"What can I do for you?".
If it's an exclamation as in "Monsieur!" it might mean "Your hands are
wandering!"
In a line at a bank, airline counter or store it might mean "Next!"
Or, it can just be a greeting, "Monsieur." There are an infinite number
of degress to the greeting form of that one word.
What made me think of it this morning at breakfast was our Portuguese
concierges at the office. They retired after many years in France and
went back to their native Portugal to a small village. When they left,
the building gave them a party in the courtyard and they gave away some
of their things. They gave us two coffee cups. That was a five years
ago. Since then we've gotten the occasional card from her and I know
that he passed away.
Although they barely spoke any French, there was some kind of spirit
that everyone in the building appreciated, you could feel a kind of
humanity that just can't be described. I think we revered the Pires more
than their grown children in a certain way.
On the rare times when I make a latte in the morning I use one of the
cups they gave us and it brings me back to the days when I'd arrive at
the office and Mrs. Pires would pop out of their little loge and with a
warm smile say to me, "Monsieur."
