Language Learning Mistake

While in French language studies, I have discovered sometimes in Quebec stores people will sometimes switch to English or find someone who can speak English. Though I have learned to understand that they are more used tourists than language students and just desire to help, I can at times find this annoying. I count it a huge victory when someone does not switch langauge or even ask if I want to switch.

There are times however, that I deserve to be "switched" upon. One funny mistake to share . . .

The other day I was in a bathing suit store and was looking for a top cover to wear over a bathing suit.

I unfortunately - first - could not remember the word for "over".

And then even more unfortunately - could not remember the word for "bathing suit".

(Admittedly I did not think through my question before I went in and ended up spontaneously replying to her offer of help.)

So I ended up saying . . . "I am looking for a blouse to wear that is higher than the bathroom".

Okay - so bathing suit in French is "maillot de bain" and bathroom is "salle de bain". Pretty close. As soon as I said "bathroom" I realized it was wrong, and the correct word came to me right away. But it was too late - the damage was done.

I thought it was funny. . .

She went to find someone who spoke English!