What does "pas de vente" mean?

Asked by victord66 (201

) May 26th, 2012

I watch a lot of British programing and now and then I hear a character say this expression “pas de vente”. Not sure if the spelling is correct and I assume it’s colloquial. It’s always said when a servant or waiter is nearby and one of the parties to the conversation doesn’t want them to overhear what is said. I’ve searched high and low but just can’t seem to find out what this means.

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

9 Answers

I think you mean “pas devant,” which is French for “not in front of”...The rest of the phrase is implied…“les domestiques” or “the servants” or “the staff” or “the children (“les infants”).

gailcalled (54647

)“Great Answer” (5

) Flag as…

If the phrase is really “pas de vente,” then it means “no sale.” Given the context, however, @gailcalled is likely correct that what you heard was “pas devant.”

SavoirFaire (28945

)“Great Answer” (2

) Flag as…

Milo here; Normally I would be the last person to support Gail, but in this case she is right.

The other remote possibility, given the context, is pas de ventre…no belly.

gailcalled (54647

)“Great Answer” (1

) Flag as…