Definition of the expression “all schuss” in skiing
“Tout schuss” is an expression of the French language that is derived from the German language. It refers to the fact of skiing at a very fast pace. It is therefore an expression that is an integral part of the vocabulary of alpine sports. Going down a ski slope all the way down is Descend 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 at full speed in search of thrills, while beginners will be more careful. It is also used in everyday life and has integrated current vocabulary to refer to a person who does something very quickly or moves hastily.
A bit like the Ski jumping, going downhill on skis is therefore reserved for experienced skiers who can do it safely! Remember that speed should never come at the expense of your safety and the safety of others, especially if you are in a family ski resort and that you are on a blue or green track with many beginners or children on it.
The origin of “tout schuss” in skiing
Where does the expression “all schuss” come from in skiing ? “Tout schuss” means “gunshot” in German and is very similar to its English cousin “to shoot”, which means “shooting with a gun”. The words we say in French come from the German word “schussfahrt”, which literally means “march at the speed of a gunshot”. Little by little, it was used by the Germanics for particularly fast and direct ski descents.
The term “schussfart” was transformed into the exclamation “schuss”, which was then introduced into the French language during international ski competitions. Indeed, French skiers and coaches heard their German counterparts shout “schuss!” as soon as a competitor picked up speed. It was originally a Cry of encouragement, which has gradually spread among athletes. THEExpression “all schuss” Skiing was born.
You should also know that the unofficial mascot of the Grenoble Winter Olympics, which took place in 1968, was a character named Schuss the skier ! With the advent of winter sports in the 20th century, saying “tout schuss” was no longer reserved for athletes: the expression entered the mainstream and was understandable to everyone.
Some examples of the use of “tout schuss”
You can say that a street goes “all the way down” to the church, or that a skier goes “all the way down” to the bottom of the track. “J'ai tout schuss” to the station means “I hastened to the station”. After a long-awaited period of rain, vegetation can repel “any schuss”. As soon as you go quickly and hastily to a place, whether related to alpine sports or not, you go there “all the time”!
As a synonym, one could use:
- at full speed;
- very fast;
- directly, straight on;
- without stopping.
Photo credit: actu.fr
