In close dispute with the tabernacle and the host as the last word of the Canadian French oath, “chalice” is the French word for chalice, an ornate and elegant cup typically associated with religious ceremony.
But in Quebec, as in all of Canada, where other French speakers reside, “calice” is a boy fond of French blasphemy. Just don’t expect to hear it in Europe. It’s a Canadian thing.
What does Calice mean?
In modern usage, “chalice” generally refers to the cup or goblet used during Catholic Mass that contains red wine which, when declared sacred by the attending priest, is believed by the faithful to become the royal blood of Jesus Christ.
But unlike the Body of Christ that Mass-goers can eat, once the chalice containing the blood of Christ is proclaimed sacred and then lifted into the air, it is officially consecrated and not for public use. No one in the Church can drink such blood apart from the priest, apparently to avoid sacred mishaps like the Blood of Christ spilled on the ground and other havoc, but I am deviating.
What does Calice mean as an expletive?
From a profane point of view, “chalice” is a rather mild curse word. Saying “chalice” is like saying “curse.”
“Calice” is also easily combined with other popular French swear words in Quebec. Think of “chalice hostie!” (Host of the chalice!) Or “tabernacle chalice!” (Chalice of the tabernacle!) Or “hostie de chalice de tabernacle!” (Host of the chalice of the tabernacle!) Or even »hostie de sacrament de chalice de tabernaculo! »(Host of the sacramental chalice of the tabernacle!)
Calice, the multipurpose verb
“Calice” can also be used as a verb. And it has different meanings, depending on how it is used.
“Je m’en calice,” for example, is literally “I shut myself up,” but “I don’t care” or “I don’t give a damn.”
“Calice-moi la paix!” It is «chalice me a little peace!» which means, “leave me alone!”
“Je vais t’en calisser une, mon hostie!” It’s “I’ll give you the chalice, my host!” which actually means, “I’m going to hit you, motherf% ^ # * r!”
Also, »crisse de tabernaculo, ça va faire là, je calisse mon camp”, literally translates to “Christ of the tabernacle, which is made there, I am chalicing my camp,” which actually means, “% ^ & $ ^ $ ^ & ^ $ ^% # !!!, enough, I’m already out of here ”.
The verbal possibilities are seemingly endless.
How do you pronounce Calice?
Try “caugh-liss” and it really brings out the “cauuuuugh” to emulate Quebec Joual. For a more international accent, just say “cah-liss.” But if you want to use the word as a curse, stick with “cauuuughh.”
