MyMemeCards editorial team
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Hollande speaks English” is an epic card of the French Politics pack, number 87 of the collection, and the 19th best-known meme of its 127 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Hollande speaks English” meme mean?
The meme expresses ridicule regarding the president's approximate command of English. It highlights the gap between diplomatic intent and linguistic reality, turning a syntax error into international humor about French people's difficulties with the language.
Where does the “Hollande speaks English” meme come from?
The excerpt comes from an official visit by François Hollande to the Philippines in February 2015, specifically in Guiuan, a town devastated by a typhoon two years prior. The exact date varies between February 26 and 27 in various sources. Widely circulated by Le Figaro on February 28 under a critical headline, the passage "Be you, be proud of you, because you can be do what we want to do" was perceived as grammatically incorrect. This literal transcription fueled online laughter, exploiting stereotypes about French language barriers. Claims that the Élysée corrected the text are not confirmed by media archives.
- February 2015François Hollande delivers his speech in the Philippines to the residents of Guiuan.
- February 28, 2015Wide dissemination of the excerpt by Le Figaro with critical commentary on the linguistic performance.
How to use the “Hollande speaks English” meme
- Share the quote during a conversation where someone makes an obvious English mistake to highlight the humor of the situation.
- Use the image or reference in a humorous context to ironically comment on clumsy cross-cultural communication efforts.
- Cite the anecdote in an article or debate about the challenges foreign language learning poses for public figures.
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The “Hollande speaks English” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 087 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Epic |
| Collection | French Politics pack |
| Fame | 88/100 · #19 of 127 |
| Recycle value | 20 MemeCoins (60 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Hollande speaks English” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Hollande speaks English comes out of the French Politics pack as an epic card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 20 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art 0.8%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Hollande speaks English”
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Frequently asked questions
What does hollande speaks english mean?
This phrase refers to a statement made by French President François Hollande in the Philippines in 2015. It is cited to illustrate approximate English mastery and has become a symbol of linguistic mockery.
Hollande speaks english origin?
The origin dates back to the French president's official trip to the Philippines in February 2015. The viral excerpt comes from his speech in Guiuan, widely spread after coverage by national press.
Who is pierre niney hollande meme?
Pierre Niney is a French actor who parodied this famous phrase in 2022. This humorous revival renewed the meme's popularity, prompting Hollande himself to cite the reference on TikTok.
How do I get the Hollande speaks English meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Hollande speaks English” is an epic card of the French Politics pack. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Hollande speaks English card?
It is an Epic card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: takptlaref.fr · references · be-you-be-proud-of-youBe you, be proud of you – la phrase culte de Hollande en ... · Catégorie : Politique | TAKPTLaref · "Be you, be proud of you": François Hollande répond à ... · checked on October 8, 2026.
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