“Going by what the French say” is most naturally understood in English as a casual way of saying “according to the French” or “if we believe what the French say.”

Meaning of the phrase

In everyday English, “going by what X say” means:

  • Basing your opinion or decision on what that group says.
  • Trusting or following their view as a main reference.
  • Framing what follows as a generalization or stereotype, not an absolute fact.

So “going by what the French say” usually introduces something like:

  • A cultural cliché (“…the French say you should enjoy food slowly.”)
  • A proverb or idiom (“…the French say ‘après la pluie, le beau temps’, meaning good times follow bad ones.”)
  • A perspective attributed to French people generally (“…the French say fashion should look effortless.”)

How it feels in tone

Depending on context, it can sound:

  • Neutral or curious : “Going by what the French say, this cheese is best at room temperature.”
  • Lightly stereotypical : suggesting “the French” share one big opinion or habit.
  • Sometimes slightly playful or ironic: the speaker might be poking gentle fun at cultural clichés.

If you are writing a headline or post with the title “going by what the french say,” it will likely be read as:

  • A hook that hints you are about to:
    • Quote French sayings or proverbs.
    • Comment on French culture, attitudes, or style.
    • Compare “what the French say” to what “we” (the writer’s culture) usually say.

When you might use it in a post

You could use that title if your content is, for example:

  • A short cultural commentary:

Going by what the French say, you should take time for lunch, not rush it.

  • A lifestyle or advice angle:

Going by what the French say, eating well and savoring small pleasures is part of a good life.

  • A forum-style discussion about clichés:

Going by what the French say, English speakers drink their coffee too fast.

SEO and hook potential

As a title, “going by what the french say”:

  • Sounds conversational and a bit mysterious, which can invite clicks.
  • Signals that the piece is about:
    • French culture or opinions.
    • A contrast between “what the French say” and what others do.
  • Works well if:
    • Your article includes French quotes, idioms, sayings, or public opinions.
    • You follow with a clear subheading like “Quick Scoop” that promises a brief, digestible read.

If you tell more about your exact angle (culture, relationships, food, fashion, politics, etc.), a more targeted variant might be even stronger, for example:

  • “Going by what the French say about love”
  • “Going by what the French say about food”
  • “Going by what the French say about life”

Would you like help drafting the full “Quick Scoop” post using that title and style rules you mentioned?