ouistiti

marmoset (small monkey)

noun wee-stee-TEE Rare

Usage Note

Ouistiti is also widely used as a playful word said to make people smile for photos — the French equivalent of saying 'cheese', because the word naturally stretches the mouth into a grin. The animal itself is a tiny New World monkey (Callithrix). The word's repeated vowel sounds make it inherently cheerful and memorable.

Examples

"Dis ouistiti pour la photo!"

Natural Translation

Say 'ouistiti' for the photo!

Literal Translation

Say marmoset for the photo!

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