"Waiting 107 years": where does this expression come from?
Origin and Meaning of a Famous French Expression
Waiting just a few minutes can already feel endless… so waiting 100 years is out of the question. But why, in the French language, do people say precisely "attendre 107 ans" (to wait 107 years) to describe an extremely long, even annoying, wait?
This popular expression finds its roots in the history of an iconic monument of French heritage. Let’s discover its fascinating origin together.
An Expression Born from French History
The phrase "attendre 107 ans" is no coincidence. It refers directly to the construction of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, one of France's most famous monuments, located on the Île de la Cité.
Known for its gargoyles, its impressive Gothic architecture, and its central role in Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the cathedral is particularly remarkable for… the exceptional length of its construction.
Notre-Dame de Paris: 107 Years of Work
Construction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral began in 1163, under the leadership of Maurice de Sully, then Bishop of Paris. At that time, the capital was experiencing strong demographic growth: the Parisian population doubled during the 13th century, making existing churches too small to accommodate the faithful.
The goal was clear: build a vast, majestic cathedral capable of welcoming an ever-growing crowd. The work spanned over a century and was finally completed in 1270.
- Total duration: 107 years.
Why This Duration Left an Impression
In an era when life expectancy was much shorter than it is today, 107 years represented an eternity. Several generations passed without ever seeing the building finished.
It was this interminable wait, almost absurd on a human scale, that gradually gave rise to the expression "attendre 107 ans" to describe:
- An excessively long wait
- A situation that drags on forever
- A delay that puts patience to the ultimate test
An Expression That Lives On
Although its origin dates back to the Middle Ages, "attendre 107 ans" remains a living expression, understood and used to this day—proof that the history of Notre-Dame de Paris continues to influence the French language.
It perfectly illustrates how a major historical event can leave a lasting mark on our daily vocabulary.
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