il était aussi rondouillard qu’un notable normand

09:10 Oct 29, 2010 

I like the Friar Tuck one, captures the mediavial feel but in this instance I went for as round as a barrel as it suited the context better - a movie star.

16:03 Oct 28, 2010 

...can you please tell us who is speaking of whom and what the general register is of this text, please?

15:32 Oct 25, 2010 

... but all rather pointless guesswork unless we are given some clue as to what the text is about!
Who is describing whom and in what context?

15:16 Oct 25, 2010 

I think there are a number of different ways this could be translated, but the best expression would use would depend on the style and context of the text. It only makes sense to use "Norman" if the text either alludes to that region, or time period, or somehow connects. Otherwise it could sound like it's coming from left field, especially in English. "As round as a barrel" is pretty good though a bit generic; but anything more specific, such as using another reference like "Friar Tuck", would need to complement the rest of the text.

15:00 Oct 25, 2010 

Well the normans were the rich, conquering race... It is a modern text, otherwise food from Normandy is very rich,lots of cream...

14:20 Oct 25, 2010 

I've never heard the expression, but that might be because for the last 17 years I've been living in Normandy and they don't speak ill of themselves.
If it's set in modern times, is there any need to reflect the "Norman" aspect? I suspect not. On the other hand, if it is in a historical context, and particularly in pre-13th-century England, "Norman" (as opposed to "Saxon") may have to be stated.