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torchon

dishcloth

noun tor-SHOHN Rare

Also means

rag, trashy publication (figurative)

Usage Note

Torchon literally means a dishcloth or drying cloth. Figuratively, it refers dismissively to a poorly written piece of work or a low-quality newspaper (ce journal, c'est un vrai torchon). The French proverb ne pas mélanger les torchons et les serviettes ('don't mix dishcloths and napkins') means to keep things of different quality or social standing separate.

Examples

"Essuie tes mains avec le torchon près de l'évier."

Natural Translation

Dry your hands with the dishcloth near the sink.

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