I had dinner with two acquaintances at café de Flore. We started speaking about decadence. I said that in general I had a weak spot for decadence. L. asked me what my opinion was about “une partouze.” I didn’t know the word “partouze” but sometimes you don’t have to understand the meaning of all the words to keep the conversation going.
So I answered that I loved “une partouze.” Then L wanted to know if I had often participated in “une partouze”. I still didn’t know the meaning of the word, but mastering the art of conversation is like playing poker: bluffing is of the essence.
“Yes,” I said.
“How often do you take part in une partouze?” L wanted to know.
Since “partouze” reminded me of “pelouse” I thought that “partouze” was a kind of outdoor activity so I answered: “In summertime at least once a week.”
“Are you serious?” L wanted to know.