Cajun Dictionary

LAISSEZ-FAIRE

(lay-ZEH fare)

Take it easy, man! Just sit back and go with the flow. 

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER

(lay-ZEH leh BAWN taw ROO-leh)

Let the good times roll! But don’t forget to respond with a “Oui, cher.” 

OUI, CHER 

(wi share)

“Yeah, you right.”

CHER 

(share or sha)

A Cajun’s term of endearment.

FAIS DO-DO

(fay DOUGH DOUGH)

It’s a Cajun dance party up in here, cher!

“HOW’S YA MAMA AN’ THEM?”

“How is your mother and your family?” Don’t forget to check on your favorite people

HOLY TRINITY

Simply put: onion, bell peppers, celery. You pretty much can’t have a famous New Orleans dish without these three heroes.

LAGNIAPPE 

(lan-yap)

Give it “a little extra”.

“WHERE Y’AT?”

I wanna know how you’re doing? 

PASS A GOOD TIME

C’mon, it’s time to have a good time!

DRESSED

Don’t get it twisted, we’re asking you about your Po’Boy, not your clothes! Getting your Po’Boy “dressed” means getting it with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo. 

ENVIE

(ahn-VEE)

It means you’re hungry and craving the good stuff. So if you’re feeling that way, come and get some!