If you’re studying French, it’s important to know how to translate French slang into English. Slang words and expressions can be difficult to understand because they are used primarily in informal contexts. In this blog post, we will provide a list of common French slang words and expressions along with their English translations. Let’s get started!
The Wonderful World of French Slang
Each region of France has its argot, or slang. This can make it difficult for French people from different regions to understand each other. Some common words and phrases used in argot include:
-Avoir la dalle (to be hungry): This phrase means “to be starving” and is used to describe someone hungry.
-Faire du gringue à quelqu’un (to hit on someone): This phrase means “to flirt with someone” and is used to describe someone who is trying to flirt with another person.
-Être en chien (to be angry): This phrase means “to be mad” and is used to describe someone angry.
French slang is a fascinating topic, and there are many different varieties of it. One particularly interesting branch is verlan, which switches the place of certain syllables in a word to create a new word. Some popular examples of modern French slang include verlan words like “cimer” for “merci,” as well as other words outside of verlan.
Despite being used primarily by young people, French slang is constantly evolving and changing, so there’s always something new to learn. If you’re interested in expanding your vocabulary and learning more about contemporary French culture, then be sure to check out some of the latest slang expressions!
Why Learning French Slang is Important?
The basics of French, such as the alphabet and how to say hello, are important to learn. However, learning French slang phrases will take your skills to the next level. Some of the most popular slang phrases include ça va? (How are you?), merci beaucoup (thank you very much), and au revoir (goodbye). These phrases are used commonly in everyday conversation and can help you sound more like a native speaker. Be sure to add some of these phrases to your vocabulary arsenal, so you can impress your friends and colleagues with your fluency!
The benefits of learning French slang are many. For one, speaking like a local makes it easier to connect with Francophone speakers and make friends. Additionally, using slang can add fun and spice to conversations. It also helps to learn more about the culture and the way people think and speak in France. Overall, learning French slang is a great way to improve your language skills and have more fun while doing so!
There are many reasons to learn a foreign language. In addition to understanding movies and TV shows in French (which is cool), making jokes in informal business meetings with colleagues from France, and expressing yourself better, learning a foreign language can also help you connect with new people and cultures. When you can speak the language of the country you’re visiting, you open up a whole new world of possibilities for interactions and experiences. You can also make new friends who share your interest in foreign languages and cultures, which can be a lot of fun. So if you’re thinking about learning a new language, don’t hesitate – it’s worth it!
Chiant: The French Slang for Being a Pain in the Ass
If someone calls you chiant, it means you’re being such a pain in the ass that you’ve made them sh*t their pants. Chiant is a slang word in French that means “pain in the ass.” The word comes from the word chier, which means “to sh*t.” When the French are annoyed by someone they’ll say “tu me fais chier,” or literally “you’re making me sh*t.” So basically if someone calls you chiant, it’s not a compliment!
How to Survive in French Slang
The French slang words and phrases are all very interesting. For example, laisse tomber, which means “never mind” or “let it go.” This phrase is very useful because it’s a quick and easy way to dismiss something that’s bothering you. Another phrase is bouffer, which means “to eat.” This word can also refer to overeating or eating greedily. I think it’s interesting that a word can have multiple meanings like this. Finally, kiffer comes from an Arabic word that refers to joy or pleasure, and in French slang, it means aimer or “to like” something/someone. I think this is a very fun and expressive word, and I’m curious to see how it develops over time.
MyFrenchStory by Pearl – a YouTube channel that teaches you about French Slang. This one of her videos focuses on verlan words also called French argot. She has shared the top ten French slang that young people like to use (French teenagers and young adults) and how to pronounce it perfectly.
How to Pronounce French Slang
One of the most challenging aspects of learning French can be pronunciation, especially with colloquialisms. However, the International Phonetic Alphabet can be a great help in getting your pronunciation right. With this alphabet, you can learn how to say French slang words accurately with English phonetic pronunciation. This can be a great way to improve your fluency and understand more of what locals are saying when you’re in France or another Francophone country.
Translated French Slang Phrases
- Caisse is a slang term used in the French language that translates to “crate” or “case,” but in slang, it means “car.” This term is often used by those who are not originally from France and is most commonly heard in the Quebec province. While the word can be used to describe any type of car, it is mostly used for older models that are no longer in production.
- “Ça va?” is a way to ask someone how they are doing in a more casual way than saying “Comment vas-tu?” It is not considered slang and just means “It is going?”
- Laisse tomber can be used to mean “never mind,” “let it go,” and “forget it.” It is usually what French friends say after they’ve tried to explain the meaning of a word and the person just doesn’t get it. The literal translation is “let it fall.”
- La flemme is a mysterious force that just happens to the French. It isn’t something you “are”, but rather something you “have”. La flemme is similar to saying “I don’t feel like it” in American English, or “I can’t be bothered” in British English. La flemme can prevent you from doing anything, and it’s usually accompanied by a feeling of lethargy and laziness.
- Relou is a French word that is commonly used in verlan, which is a form of French slang. Relou is lourd, which means “heavy,” with its syllables reversed. When someone is relou, they’re annoying or unbearable.
- Chelou is the perfect name for this band. Their music is weird and shady, and you can tell that they’re not from around here. Their style is unique and something different, which is why I love them.
- When it comes to food, the French sure know how to have a good time. Bouffer is the term they use for stuffing themselves, and la bouffe is their word for food in general. So whether you’re talking about a feast or just a regular old meal, the French have a special word for it. And trust me, they know how to take their time when it comes to eating. They say that good food is worth savoring, and I couldn’t agree more.
- The verb “to rip off” is often used in place of “to go.” It is a slang term that is used to replace aller. It is similar to “to split” or “to scram.”
- Kiffer is a French verb meaning to like. It comes from an Arabic word that means pleasure or joy, but kiffer is slang for aimer, or to love. Kiffer is often used to describe the feeling one gets when they are around someone or something that one enjoy. For example, I love spending time with my friends and family, and I kiffe going to the beach in the summer.
- Zarbi is a bizarre word in itself, and some people tend to like it less when their boyfriend calls them zarbi Zarpas. It’s certainly a unique word, and it’s not one that you hear every day. Whether or not you like it is up to you, but it’s a quirky little word that stands out from the crowd.
- The word “grave” can have a lot of different meanings, depending on the context. It can mean “serious” or “grave,” but it can also mean “crazy” in the context of “crazy good.” If something is grave bon, it means it’s crazy good. It can also mean “totally” or “true” when agreeing with someone.
Practice Makes Perfect: Learning French
The best way to learn any language is through practice, and this is especially true for French. If you can’t travel to a French-speaking country right now, the Internet is a great place to find francophones to speak or chat with. You can also search for tandem/language exchange programs in your area. With enough practice, you’ll be able to speak French like a pro!
Conclusion
While some expressions cannot be translated directly, understanding the meaning and cultural context of popular French slang can help you improve your language skills. With a little practice, you’ll be able to understand and use common French slang phrases in everyday conversation.