Slang is a form of colloquial, popular language used by specific social groups in France. Most of these are young people, but this is not always the case. Slang words and expressions are often used in a friendly, relaxed setting.
It is characterized by the use of words and expressions that are often obscure to the uninitiated.
Slang is an integral part of the French language and is found in many aspects of popular culture, from music to cinema. I'm going to introduce you to 50 French slang words that I hear or use very often, here in France.
The aim of this article is to enable you to use (or understand) these words to enrich your vocabulary and better understand this form of language. Please note, however, that you should NEVER use these slang words or expressions in a formal context (at work, for example).
Some of these slang words or examples may be vulgar or offensive to some people, so use them with care and in context.
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List of 50+ French slang words and expressions
🍔 " Avoir la dalle " (To have a slab) slang expression for being hungry.
Example: "I'm really hungry, I haven't eaten since this morning!"
💵 " Balls " slang for money, especially euros.
Example: "It's cheap, it only costs 20 balls (20 euros)".
💪🏼 " Baraque " French slang word for a very strong person.
Example: "I never fight with him. Did you see how strong he is? I don't stand a chance!"
🚗 "Blinder when it's completely full, when there are people.
Example: "I prefer to avoid rue Wilson, which is always crowded at this time of day".
"Boloss A strange person who behaves badly in society;
Example: "Nico is a bully, he insulted Noémie in front of everyone".
🧢 "Caillera verlan for scum. Person likely to be a nuisance;
Example: "He often hung out with the neighborhood riff-raff."
"Chelou when something (or someone) is weird or strange.
Example: "I think he looks weird in this photo, he's got a funny face".
"Chouraver : slang verb which means to steal discreetly.
Example: "He bought an apple in the supermarket.
🚬 "Clope means a cigarette in French slang.
Example: "Can you please give me a cigarette?"
👴 "Daron(ne)" means the father or the mother.
Example: "My darling called me last night."
🚀 "Deter : When you are motivated.
Example: "I am so determined to succeed in my studies.
🔫 "Gun : firearm ;
Example: "He had a gun in his pocket."
💵 "Fric Slang for money.
Example: "He's made quite a bit of money from his business."
👶 "Kids Designates the children.
Example: "There are some kids downstairs making a crazy noise.
🍔 " Grailler " Slang for eating.
Example: "I had pizza for lunch".
🗣️ "Jacter : talk or discuss.
Example: "We had a nice chat on our date."
👮♀️ "Keuf Designates a police officer.
Example: "He was arrested by the cops this morning".
😘 "Kiffer" Synonym in slang for the verb to love.
Example: "I love this movie so much!
😍 "Ma meuf : my girlfriend, in the loving sense.
Example: "I'm really in love with my girl".
😍 "My Man": my boyfriend, in the loving sense.
Example: "My boyfriend is so handsome."
❌ "It's dead" when it's impossible/improbable;
Example: "It's dead, I'm never going to find the love of my life, I'm terrible at flirting".
🤯 "Ouf" : verlan of crazy.
Example: "This guy is completely crazy!
👯 " Sin someone " slang expression for having kissed or slept with someone.
Example: "You'll never guess who I picked up at the party.
😎 "Pépère to say that we're calm, relaxed.
Example: "I'm nice and cushy at home tonight."
🤑 " Dough " slang for a sum of money.
Example: "This work is costing a fortune, I'll be ruined if it goes on.
🙆♂️ "Pote" designate a friend ;
Example: "I went out with my mates last night."
📎 "Radin : a person who finds it difficult to spend money ;
Example: "My boss is a bit of a cheapskate."
📎 "A rat": as a cheapskate, someone who has trouble spending money.
Example: My boyfriend is such a rat, he never invites me out to dinner.
❌ "To miss synonymous with failure.
Example: "I don't want to fail my exam."
👴 "Rusting not training to do something and losing your level.
Example: "I'm going for a run tomorrow morning so I don't get rusty."
😓 "To be ruined" no more money
Example: "I'm ruined, I've been ripped off by a swindler".
🥶 "Se les cailler" slang expression used to say that you're very cold.
Example: "This morning I was curling up waiting for the bus."
🥶 "To freeze them" : Like "se les cailler", we use this expression to say that we're very cold.
Example: "This morning I was freezing while waiting for the bus."
🤕 "Take a rake". being rejected by a person.
Example: "He's been raked over the coals by his girlfriend."
😴 "To be drunk" : When you are fed up with something.
Example: "I'm fed up with this situation, I can't take it anymore."
😡 "Le seum slang term for being pissed off about something.
Example: "I'm so pissed off, my team has been eliminated in the World Cup semi-finals."
"Souk : disorder ;
Example: "Our room was like a souk.
"Tailor : leave quickly ;
Example: "I have to trim to get here on time."
🥳 "Teuf A party where there is a very festive atmosphere (music + alcohol)
Example: "We're going to a party tonight, are you coming?"
"Teufeur : person who goes to techno parties;
Example: "He's always pretending to be a party animal."
💰 "Thune : silver ;
Example: "All he talks about is money and income."
🍷 "Tiser drinking alcohol;
Example: "We went for a beer at the bar next door."
🏎️ " Tracer " : leave quickly ;
Example: "We had to trace because of the rain."
"Trimer : work a lot ;
Example: "I have to work hard to pass my exams.
😡 "Venerable" : angry;
Example: "I'm really pissed off at my ex!"
😵 " See double " : being drunk ;
Example: "He had drunk a lot and was seeing double."
"Wesh" : Hi;
Example: "Wesh, how are you?"
"Zap : change something quickly ;
Example: "I flipped through all the channels last night."
"Zoner : hanging out in the street ;
Example: "We were zoning in downtown last night."
How do you know if you can use slang expressions?
The use of slang depends on the context, the people involved and the purpose of the conversation. In general, slang is used in informal, relaxed situations, between people who know each other well or who belong to a shared social, cultural or professional group. This can include close friends, work colleagues or members of the same community.
But beware, slang is not always appropriate in all situations and may be considered impolite or inappropriate by some people. So it's best to know your audience and adapt to the context.
To avoid making a mistake, always remember the following. If in doubt, then it's best to use more formal language to avoid any misunderstanding or offence.
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