Joyeuse Halloween ?

Question

If Halloween is feminine, shouldn’t the expression be joyeuse Halloween instead of joyeux?

Accepted Answer

Hi Jay,
I would have said -
Joyeux Halloween !
was correct and if you do an internet search and in particular look at the images, you will find both but maybe more masculine form.
As it is an American import there will always be some contention.
Incidentally, Joyeuse Halloween and Joyeux Halloween sound the same, the -h being mute.
Hope this helps!

Answer

Hi Jay,This is a tricky point that you raise with respect to "Halloween"Both "joyeuse" and "Joyeux" are used through the French-speaking world.Another issue that complicates the matter is whether or not the "h" is mute or aspirated.There is a solution however -- why not just say "La joyeuse fête d'Halloween" ?Jim

Answer

To my knowledge, any words coming from another language other than French, considered as masculine.  In this case, Halloween is not a French word.  It is coming from English (contraction of All Hallow Even). So Joyeux Hallowe'en.

Answer

That's a great question!

Answer

Cecile is wrong. Sorry, Cecile! :)The answer is: Joyeuse Halloween is Canadian (Québec) FrenchJoyeux Halloween is France French. Simple as that! :) That's why we see both versions online!I live in Québec and today, as it's Halloween Day, we say Joyeuse Halloween! :)But in France, they're saying Joyeux Halloween!So it really depends on your reader! :)

Answer

Merci Alexia,
I’m always prepared to learn.
Halloween didn’t exist in France when I lived there as a child. I only discovered it with my children in England. Alors,
Joyeux/joyeuse Halloween!.