Lost in Translation: Why “Footing” Isn’t English

Have you ever heard a French speaker say “I love footing on Sundays”? Or ask where the nearest “pressing” is? If you’re following one of my English courses with CPF in Vincennes, you’ve probably smiled at these moments. French is full of words ending in “-ing” that look English but… surprise! They’re not.

The Problem with “-ing” in French

When a French speaker throws in a chic “-ing” word, it often feels international, modern, or even more stylish than its French equivalent. But in English, those words either don’t exist or mean something completely different. This is something I often explain in my private tutoring in English, where students quickly realize how misleading these words can be.

Common French “-ing” Words That Aren’t English

Here are some of the usual suspects:

• un footing → means jogging / running in English.

• un pressing → means dry cleaner’s.

• un relooking → means makeover.

• un smoking → means tuxedo / dinner jacket.

• un parking → means parking lot / car park.

• un planning → means schedule / timetable.

• du stretching → means to stretch / stretching exercises.

• un brushing → means blow-dry.

• un casting → means audition.

These always come up when I’m working with learners in online education, especially when they try to translate word-for-word from French to English.

The Exceptions

To be fair, not all “-ing” words in French are impostors. Some really are used in English:

• le bowling → bowling (yes, this one works!)

• le camping → camping.

• le shopping → exists in English, but in English it means any kind of shopping, not just clothes shopping as in French.

I often point this out in my E-learning programs, where students are relieved to finally find a few true friends among the many false ones.

Why So Many “-ing” Words in French?

It’s not an accident. French borrowed them because:

• English carries a certain cool or modern factor.

• Movies, ads, and music made them trendy.

• They often sound shorter and simpler than the French alternative (stationnement vs parking).

• The “-ing” ending feels international and easy to adapt into French grammar.

That’s why I highlight them regularly during an English course in Vincennes, so students can avoid awkward mistakes.

Quick Test: Can You Spot the Real English?

Which of these sentences is correct English?

1. I need to go to the pressing before dinner.

2. I need to go to the dry cleaner’s before dinner.

👉 Answer: number 2.

Try making your own! Replace the French “-ing” with the correct English term.

Conclusion

Next time you hear someone say footing, pressing, or smoking, don’t panic—it’s just French being playful with English. But remember: these “-ing” words don’t always exist in English, and using them in London or New York might get you a funny look.

As your English teacher in Vincennes, I like to highlight these “false friends” in a way that’s fun and memorable. Whether you’re learning with me in class or through online tools, you’ll never confuse a smoking with a tuxedo again!