grappe versus groupe

I just learned the word "grappe." My dictionary shows it's used in many terms regarding computers. More practical for me is its use regarding food -- a bunch of grapes, tomatoes, etc.

The dictionary also cited "grappe humaine" as "cluster of people" but I would think "groupe" would be more appropriate for people, animals. Is there a distinction? Are there other times when "grappe" would be more appropriate than "groupe?" Is "grappe" maybe more casual as it would be in English when saying "a bunch of kids?"

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Permalink Reply by Neil Coffey on August 28, 2012 at 8:48pm

Hi Alan --

I think "grappe" is basically still a biology term used as you say to refer to grapes/fruit around their stalk, petals around a flower etc.

It's true that it can be used metaphorically to refer to people 'bunched tightly together', so e.g. a "grappe de manifestants" would mean something like "a group of tightly-packed protesters". But I think it's fair to say that it's not an 'ordinary' way to refer to a group -- it retains something of its original imagery.