"Patin-couffin" means something like "and so on" or "and blah blah blah".

It doesn’t seem to exist any sure explanation on the etymology of the expression which was known at least already in 1823 and which came from Southern France; it’s widely used in Provence, in both French and Provencal languages.

In the early nineteenth century, 'Patin' meant a slipper, an old rag or a felt pad (those bizarre things which some elderly aunt obliged to use to move on newly waxed floor without damaging it).

As for the “couffin”, it was the basket fitted with handles, which also served as a cradle.




This photo is part of a series taken in Nice(France).
If you feel like seeing the others, please click on the olives
below...