Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈa͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "joue" is a French verb which means "to play" in English. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ʒu/, which is spelled with a silent "e" at the end of the word. The "j" sound is pronounced as a soft "g" sound in English, and the "ou" diphthong is pronounced like the "oo" sound in "moon". It is important to remember the silent "e" at the end of the word to pronounce it correctly in French.
Joue is a French noun, commonly used to refer to the cheek or the face. It can also be translated as "cheekbone" or "jowl" in some contexts. Originating from the Old French "joie," meaning "joy" or "pleasure," joue has evolved to represent the rounded flesh on either side of the human face, particularly when smiling or displaying emotions.
In anatomy, joue specifically denotes the fleshy part of the face that projects from the lower part of the eye socket to the upper part of the jawline. It is an essential feature of facial expressions, conveying various emotions such as happiness, sadness, or surprise. Joue is often associated with warmth, tenderness, and affection, as the term frequently appears in phrases such as "les joues rouges" (red cheeks) or "les joues rosies" (rosy cheeks).
Furthermore, joue can also refer to the soft, meaty part of an animal's face, particularly around the jaw area. This usage is commonly observed in culinary contexts when preparing recipes involving animal cheeks, such as "joue de porc" (pork cheek) or "joue de bœuf" (beef cheek).
Overall, joue encompasses both the anatomical and emotional aspects of the cheek, capturing its significance in human expressions and physical attributes.
The word "joue" has its origins in ancient Latin. It traces back to the Latin word "iŏcus", which means "joke" or "game". Over time, this term evolved into Old French as "jou", retaining the same playful connotation. In Modern French, "joue" refers to the cheek of a person or an animal, possibly originating from the idea that jokes and games involve movements of the facial muscles.
