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where did voulez-vous coucher avec moi come from ?

### Where Did ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?’ Come From?

The phrase ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?’ has indelibly tainted popular culture, particularly thanks to its inclusion in Lady Marmalade, a song from Patti LaBelle, which later saw a resurgence with the supergroup all-female boy band (featuring Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, and Pink). But the expression’s origins stretch far beyond its catchy and suggestive lyrics.

#### Origins of the Phrase

The phrase ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?’ can be traced back to a poem written in 1922 by the famous American poet E.E. Cummings, titled ‘little ladies more’. Cummings had been known for his avant-garde poetry style that often pushed boundaries and explored sexually charged themes. This particular piece contained the line ‘voulez-vous coucher avec moi?’, indicating that the French phrase was not a late addition to the English lexicon but dates back nearly a century.

However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the phrase gained widespread fame in its French form. It first appeared in the song ‘Lady Marmalade’, composed by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan for Kenny Nolan’s disco group. The song was originally recorded in 1974 and enjoyed moderate success, but it wasn’t until its inclusion in the cult French film Moulin Rouge! in 2001 and subsequent re-imagining by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, and Pink that the French phrase became an international sensation.

#### Popularization by Lady Marmalade

Lady Marmalade, recorded by American R&B group Labelle, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1974 and 1975. The song’s catchy French refrain and the provocative nature of the question made it memorable. However, it was the iconic performance by All Saints in 1998 and the four-part lady group cover in 2001 that truly solidified the phrase in popular culture. The Moulin Rouge! film not only brought back the song from obscurity but also added a modern edge with Patti LuPone performing a memorable scene with Nicole Kidman, bringing the phrase to a whole new generation of audiences.

#### Beyond Pop Culture

Prior to Lady Marmalade, the phrase was also present in the Italian music scene. One of the earliest appearances of the phrase in Italian media was on a radio show hosted by Ilona Staller, under her stage name Cicciolina, on Radio Luna in 1973. The show was known for dealing with sexuality and women’s liberation, and the introduction of this French phrase was part of its provocative and forward-thinking agenda.

#### Cultural Impact

In French culture, the phrase ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?’ is a classic expression. It translates to ‘Do you want to sleep with me?’ in English, using the verb ‘coucher’, which has sexual connotations in French. Interestingly, despite the phrase’s popularity, it’s worth noting that the formal and colloquial meanings of ‘coucher’ in French differ. The verb in its non-pronominal form (‘coucher’) can imply putting someone to bed, but in a more colloquial context, it can hint at a more intimate activity.

#### Pronunciation and Misinterpretations

The correct pronunciation of the phrase is quite different from its Americanized version. It’s pronounced /vu.le.vu ku.ʃe a.vɛk mwa/ and the phrase is commonly used in everyday French for more casual and flirtatious situations.

#### Cultural Significance

The phrase has sparked debates about cultural appropriation and the casual use of French in English-speaking countries. Its success has also highlighted the enduring influence of French culture on English and vice versa. Lady Marmalade’s inclusion in a Hollywood film further solidified the phrase in the English-speaking world, turning it into a cultural phenomenon.

In conclusion, ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?’ didn’t come out of nowhere. It was a poetic phrase from a 1920s poem, became a pop hit in the 1970s, and was revived in the 21st century. Its cultural significance continues to be a testament to the enduring power of provocative and culturally blended art.

Whether it’s poetry, pop music, or radio broadcasts, ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?’ has more than lived up to its reputation as a memorable and oft-used French turn of phrase. Its impact can be heard in the streets and on the stages of Paris to New York, and it’s likely that the French influence will continue to resonate for generations to come.