Parlez-vous Cajun Français?

It's not uncommon while traveling through Cajun country to hear French—the Cajun version. Here are a few words that might help you enjoy and understand the lingo.

Allons: Let's go!

Bayou: A sluggish body of water, larger than a creek but smaller than a river.

C'est la vie: Such is life.

Cher: Dear

Cochon de lait: A pig roast; literally, a suckling pig.

Étouffée: French for "smothered"—the term applies to a stew, usually made with seafood, in which a roux and the "holy trinity" (celery, garlic or onion, and bell pepper) is used.

Fais-do-do: A dance. French for "Go to sleep," which was what parents would whisper to their children so they could go dancing.

Lagniappe: A little something extra.

Laissez les bons temps rouler: Let the good times roll.

Roux: Flour browned in fat and used as a thickener in many Cajun dishes such as gumbo.