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a tricky one

I've got a question about the following sentence:

'Plus suspicieux encore que le Grand Guide, il a l'obsession d'etre pris en traitre par des fourbes, d'une faussete poisseuse'.

What I am unsure about is whether the faussete poisseuse refers to the fourbes or to the 'il' of the sentence, who is a pretty mean and duplicitous character (in a novel). I had assumed it was the fourbes but looking again I'm not so sure... does anyone have an opinion on this?

Thanks!

 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Neil Coffey on August 4, 2011 at 5:17am
As I understand, yes you're correct: it refers to the "fourbes" and is effectivly describing the level of their deceit.
Permalink Reply by Clare H on August 4, 2011 at 10:47am
Thanks, that what I thought originally. Do you have any ideas about a translation for 'poisseuse' here?
Permalink Reply by Erwan on August 4, 2011 at 12:08pm
I would say "disgusting".
Permalink Reply by Clare H on August 4, 2011 at 2:52pm
How about vile or sickening? Their vile duplicity??
Permalink Reply by Erwan on August 4, 2011 at 3:06pm
I think "vile" is a litlle bit stronger but "sickening seems to be good
Permalink Reply by Ed la mouette on August 7, 2011 at 8:13am

Hello,

 

Poisseuse is related to poix, the pitch (the black, sticky resin made by burning wood), if it can help you to figure the meaning.

Permalink Reply by Neil Coffey on August 7, 2011 at 4:48pm
I wondered if something like "a murky level of deceit" could work in English.

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