àilage

Àilage is a term primarily used in Quebec, Canada, to describe the action of cutting or trimming something, often referring to grass or hedges. It derives from the verb "àiler," which itself is a regional variant of the French word "tailler," meaning to cut, trim, or prune. In essence, àilage is the process of making something shorter or more shapely through cutting.

The practice of àilage is most commonly associated with lawn care. When someone is undertaking the àilage of their lawn, they are mowing the grass. Similarly, àilage can refer to the trimming of bushes, hedges, or even trees to maintain their form or size. The term is a colloquialism, prevalent in everyday speech within Quebec, and less likely to be encountered in formal written contexts or outside of this specific region.

The word's usage reflects a localized linguistic evolution where a regional verb form has led to the creation of a corresponding noun. While "tonte" (mowing) or "taille" (trimming/pruning) are the more standard French equivalents, "àilage" captures a specific nuance of this action as understood and used by Quebecers. It is a term deeply embedded in the vocabulary of gardening and property maintenance in the province.