• tourist@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    12
    ·
    1 month ago

    Does the spectrum for that word usually range from lighting the wrong side of a cigarette to serious crimes against human dignity?

    • loutr@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      18
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      1 month ago

      No, a bêtise is when a kid spills her milk or breaks a toy.

      In this context I think they use the word as an euphemism for cheating on your spouse, as that’s the defense of most of the accused: they thought it was a kink and that Gisèle Pelicot had given her consent.