Deux magots

The two official definitions of "magot" are a) macaque b) somme d'argent. Yet the statues preserved in that horrible tourist-trap "Les Deux Magots" in the 6eme are clearly merchants.

How should this be translated, in context?

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Permalink Reply by Erwan on March 7, 2011 at 9:59am

Hi Stu,

It seems that the name of this famous cafe in Paris comes from an old play titled "Les deux Magots de la Chine". In this play Magot is the translation of a Chinese word and means figurine.

You can find a small article about this place here (in English) and of course on Wikipedia (in French).

Hope it helps

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Permalink Reply by Natasha Edwards on March 12, 2011 at 3:03pm

Hi Stu,

Believe the name Deux Magots actually comes from Mages as in Wise Men, and nothing to do with either monkeys or maggots!