poireauter
to hang around waiting, to twiddle one's thumbs
verb pwah-roh-TAY Rare
Origin: From poireau (leek), suggesting standing rooted like a leek
Usage Note
Poireauter is a very colloquial verb picturing someone planted on the spot like a leek. It implies frustration at being kept waiting: j'ai poireauté une heure devant la gare. Avoid in formal writing; prefer attendre there.
Examples
"Il m'a fait poireauter une heure."
Natural Translation
He made me wait around for an hour.
Literal Translation
He made me twiddle my thumbs for an hour.
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