Definition of the expression "tout schuss" when skiing
"Tout schuss" is a French expression derived from the German language. It refers to skiing at a very fast pace. It's an expression that belongs in its own right to the vocabulary of alpine sports. To ski "tout schuss" is to go downhill at full speed, straight ahead and without stopping.
The expression therefore refers to the attitude of technical skiers, often of a good level, who hurtle down the slopes in search of thrills, while beginners are more cautious. It's also used in everyday life, and has become part of everyday vocabulary to designate a person who does something very quickly or moves in a hurry.
A bit like ski jumping, skiing downhill is therefore reserved for experienced skiers who can do it safely! Remember that speed should never be at the expense of your own safety and that of others, especially if you're in a ski resort FAMILY and you're on a blue or green run with lots of beginners or children on it.
The origins of the "tout schuss" in skiing
Where does the expression "tout schuss" come from in skiing ? Tout schuss" means "shot" in German, and is very close to its English cousin "to shoot", meaning "to fire with a weapon". The words we use in French come from the German word "schussfahrt", which literally means "to walk at the pace of a gunshot". Gradually, it came to be used by Germanic people for particularly fast and direct ski descents.
The term "schussfart" evolved into the exclamation "schuss", which itself then found its way into the French language during international ski competitions. Indeed, French skiers and coaches would hear their German counterparts shouting "schuss!" whenever a competitor picked up speed. It was originally a cry of encouragement, which gradually spread to the athletes. Theexpression "tout schuss" in skiing was born.
It's also worth noting that the unofficial mascot of the 1968 Grenoble Winter Olympics was a character named Schuss le skieur ! With the advent of winter sports in the 20th century, saying "tout schuss" was no longer reserved for athletes: the expression entered common usage and was understood by everyone.
A few examples of "tout schuss" applications
A street can be said to go "tout schuss" downhill towards the church, or a skier can be said to go "tout schuss" downhill towards the bottom of the slope. "J'allai tout schuss" to the station means "I hurried to the station". After a long-awaited period of rain, vegetation can grow back "tout schuss". As soon as you go quickly and hurriedly to a place, whether it's related to alpine sports or not, you go "tout schuss"!
As a synonym, we could use :
- at full speed;
- very quickly;
- straight on;
- without stopping.
Photo credit: actu.fr
