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- MDR = Mort de rire. It means ‘dying of laughter’. Just like LOL in English.
- EXPDR = Explosé de rire or ‘exploding with laughter’. Sort of similar to ROFL (rolling on the floor with laughter) in English.
- C = C’est. It means: “it’s”.
- C Ca = C’est ça. Means: “that’s it”.
In this article, you will discover: 50 essential slang words: I will present a carefully selected selection of the most commonly used slang words in France. These expressions will allow you to decode conversations, movies, and French series with much more ease.
This document is a glossary of French slang terms with definitions provided in French. It includes informal words and phrases from French dialects relating to parts of the body, weapons, drinks, tricks, and insults among other categories.
- 52 sec
- aller-retour (masculine) : a round of slaps on the face.
- s’arracher : to leave (partir)
- à l’arrache : used to describe something that is poorly organized or that was done quickly or at the last minute.
- assurer : to be competent in your domain.
- Contents
- Common French Slang Words and Phrases
- French Internet and Pop Culture Slang
- French Social and Relationship Slang
- French Food-Related Slang
- French Regional Slang
- Why Learning French Slang Is Important
- How to Learn French Slang Effectively
1. Ça baigne ? Ça baigne ! — How’s it going? It’s going!
Our first French slang expression is similar to the extremely common Q&A phrase ça va, and it means the same thing: “How are you?” “Good!” This phrase uses the verb baigner (to bathe), and refers to something submerged in a liquid, as in: Ça baigne dans de l’huile(It is bathed in oil). In fact, that’s likely where this mid-20th century expression comes from! Ça baigne is often associated with the beach, where people se baignent (go for a dip) or are often baignés (bathed) in oil—tanning oil,...
2. Arrête de te la péter — Stop showing off
While this expression isn’t all that vulgar, it’s definitely not for mixed company. That’s because the real meaning of the last word, péter, is “to fart.” And, originally, the la combined with bretelle (suspender), because in the 19th century, holding out one’s suspender and making it pète (snap) against one’s chest was a way of punctuating a brag or show-offy comment. Nowadays, leave bretelle out of this phrase—unless you’re in Québec! J’aimerais qu’il arrête de se la péter. Il est hyper arr...
3. Je me casse — I’m outta here
This is a very casual, bordering-on-rude way to say that you’re leaving somewhere. It can also be used as a suggestion: On se casse ? (Should we get out of here?) And it can even be used as a sort of insult. To say Casse-toi ! to someone means, “Get out of here!” or even “Piss off!” Don’t say it around just anyone, but if you’re being harassed in the street, a well-placed Casse-toi ! definitely gets the message across. J’en ai marre de cette situation. Je me casse ! (I’ve had enough of this s...
Even though many people admire France for its history and historic cities and towns, that doesn’t mean that the French language doesn’t keep up with the times. Here’s a starter list of French internet and pop culture slang to help you out. 1. Boucler — To finish something quickly 2. Ça déchire — That’s awesome 3. Flemme — A feeling of laziness or n...
When living in a city like Paris, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to use slang about your social life and relationships. Here’s a list to get you started: 1. Se mettre en couple — To become a couple 2. Un rencard — A date 3. Un coup de foudre — Love at first sight 4. Être en train de flirter — To be flirting 5. Draguer — To flirt or hit on some...
You know the French love to eat, but what they love even more is talking about food. Here’s a good starter list to get you sounding like a local as you discuss cuisine. 1. Un p’tit dej’ — Abbreviation for petit déjeuner, meaning breakfast 2. Un bide — A flop of a meal 3. Un casse-croûte — A snack or light meal 4. Un amuse-gueule — An appetizer 5. U...
French is spoken all around the world and each area tends to come up with their own unique slang words. Here’s a list of some of the most fun slang terms: 1. Un char — A car (French Canadian) 2. Un dépanneur — A convenience store (French Canadian) 3. Un chum — A boyfriend or a male friend (French Canadian) 4. Une blonde — A girlfriend (French Canad...
If you really want to learn to speak French like a native, you can’t neglect learning French slang words and phrases. Here’s why: French slang is essential to conversation. No one talks like a textbook. In any language, slang is one of those things people use all the time without even realizing it. French slang requires some explanation. Even if yo...
Learning French slang is not necessarily easy, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. First, and perhaps most importantly, you want to get the right input.You want real, authentic French content. You’ll need to move past your textbooks and start learning from: 1. French TV shows 2. French music videos 3. French songs 4. French vloggers 5. YouTube cha...
Apr 30, 2024 · This French internet slang guide will show you how to chat online like a native! It covers 40+ of the most common slang words, with explanations and examples included, so you'll understand what's going on in French text messages and online forums.
French “Slang” Words for All Ages. Casual vocabulary is everywhere in spoken French. You need to know that informal French to communicate! A few words of French slang (for all ages!) will really help you when you’re travelling in France or speaking with French friends.
