“Menage A Trois” | What Does This Idiomatic Expression Mean?

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You may have heard the term ‘menage a trois’ during a conversation and wondered what the speaker was referring to. We are going to take a look at the meaning behind this saying and how it can be used during a conversation and within a sentence. We will also look at the origin of the saying.

“Menage a Trois” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

• The phrase “ménage à trois” is a French term that translates to “household of three” in English. It typically refers to a romantic or sexual relationship involving three people.

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“Menage a Trois” Meaning

The phrase “ménage à trois” is a French term that literally translates to “household of three.” In a more colloquial context, it refers to a romantic or sexual relationship involving three people, typically in a consensual arrangement where all parties are aware of and agree to the relationship.

Examples:

• “They decided to explore a ménage à trois to add some excitement to their relationship.”
• “The movie portrayed a complex ménage à trois among its main characters.”

Origin of This Idiom

The phrase “ménage à trois” originates from French, where “ménage” means “household” and “trois” means “three.” It has been used since the late 19th century to refer to a household involving three people, particularly in a romantic or sexual context.

Usage of “Menage a Trois”

• In a discussion about relationships:

“After much consideration, they agreed to try a ménage à trois, believing it could strengthen their bond.”

• Talking about a movie or book:

“The film explored the complexities of a ménage à trois, delving into the emotions and challenges faced by the characters.”

• In a conversation about lifestyle choices:

“Some people are open to the idea of a ménage à trois as a way to experience love and intimacy differently.”

• During a humorous exchange:

“He joked that dating two people at once might lead to a ménage à trois, but he wasn’t sure how to manage it.”

Related Terms to “Menage a Trois”

• Threesome – a sexual encounter involving three people, typically referring to a casual relationship.
• Triad – a committed relationship involving three partners, often with an emotional connection among all.
• Polyamory – the practice of engaging in multiple consensual romantic relationships simultaneously, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.
• Group sex – sexual activity involving multiple participants, which can include various configurations beyond three people.
• Open relationship – a relationship in which partners agree to engage in sexual or romantic relationships with other people.
• Swinging – a lifestyle where couples engage in sexual activities with others, often in a social setting.
• Menage – a general term for a household or group of people living together, sometimes used in a broader context than just three individuals.
• Three-way – an informal term used to describe a sexual encounter or relationship involving three people.
• Thruple – a term combining “three” and “couple,” referring to a romantic relationship involving three people.
• Compersion – the feeling of joy when seeing one’s partner happy in another relationship, often discussed in the context of non-monogamous relationships.

Other Ways to Say “Menage a Trois”

There are other ways you can say the term ‘menage a trois’ using different wording. Here are some examples of other things you could say which mean the same thing.

• Threesome
• Threeway
• Polygamy

“Menage a Trois” Examples

Examples in Statements

This first statement is being made during a news report.

• ‘We visited Mr Brown and his two wives who say they are happy living as a menage a trois.’

The next statement is being said by a friend about another friend.

• ‘Did you hear what Clive got up to last weekend? He had a menage a trois.’

Conversation Examples

There may be many times that the term ‘menage a trois’ will be heard in a conversation. Here are some examples to show how it might sound.

The first conversation is between two friends.

• Person 1: “I am thinking about ending my relationship with Phil.”
• Person 2: “Why on earth would you do that? I thought you really liked him.”
• Person 1: “I do, but last week he asked me if I would take part in a menage a trois and I’m totally not into that.”

This next conversation is occurring between a husband and wife.

• Person 1: “There is a new family moving in next door.”
• Person 2: “Is there, do you know anything about them?”
• Person 1: “Only that they’re living in a menage a trois, one husband and two wives.”