coccinelle

ladybug

noun kok-see-NEL Rare

Origin: French diminutive of 'coccineus' (scarlet)

Usage Note

Coccinelle is also used colloquially for the Volkswagen Beetle (la coccinelle). Ladybugs are considered lucky in French culture, so spotting one is a good omen; the related folk name is bête à bon Dieu.

Examples

"Une coccinelle s'est posée sur ma main."

Natural Translation

A ladybug landed on my hand.

Literal Translation

A ladybug itself-is landed on my hand.

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