Directly translated into 'to have the peach', avoir la pêche means 'I'm full of energy', 'I'm ready', or 'I feel great'.

Tu as la pêche ! – You're in high spirits!

It can be even shorter, sometimes French people will simply say la pêche ? – feeling good? 

As you probably have noticed, the French language is rich with food based expressions, which generally have nothing to do about the fruit, vegetable or snack in question.

This one is probably one of the most common food idioms, but it's not the only one that signifies that you're feeling on top of the world. In the French language, a potato, a banana or a chip also do the trick.

According to one theory, the expression originated in Chinese culture, where a peach symbolises immortality and good health.

But others say it spread out of the boxing ring, where peaches and potatoes refer to brutal punches.

This article is part of The Local France's 2020 virtual advent calendar – every day until Christmas we will be presenting you with a person or object that has a particular significance to life in France.