Learning French can be challenging, but mastering slang words will help you blend in and sound more like a native speaker. French people use informal expressions in everyday conversations, making it essential to familiarize yourself with common slang. Here are a few must-know French slang words and phrases that will immediately upgrade your language skills, as shared by Hello-Hello, a top French Language Learning app developer for iOS and Android devices.
Ouf (Crazy or Amazing) – This is the verlan (a form of French slang where syllables are reversed) version of “fou” (crazy). It’s used to describe something incredible or unbelievable. Example: Ce film était ouf ! (That movie was amazing!)
Mec / Meuf (Guy / Girl) – These casual terms replace “homme” (man) and “femme” (woman). Example: Ce mec est super sympa. (That guy is really nice.)
Boulot (Work / Job) – In place of “travail,” the French often say “boulot.” Example: J’ai trop de boulot aujourd’hui. (I have too much work today.)
Cimer (Thanks) – Another verlan word, “cimer” is the reversed form of “merci.” Example: Cimer pour ton aide ! (Thanks for your help!)
Chiant(e) (Annoying) – This informal word means something or someone is frustrating or boring. Example: Ce devoir est trop chiant. (This homework is so annoying.)
Bordel (Mess / Chaos) – Used to describe a messy place or a chaotic situation. Example: C’est le bordel ici ! (It’s a mess in here!)
Taf (Work / Task) – A shorter, slangier version of “boulot.” Example: J’ai du taf à finir. (I have work to finish.)
Pote (Friend / Buddy) – A casual word for “ami.” Example: Mon pote vient ce soir. (My buddy is coming tonight.)
Relou (Annoying / Lame) – One more verlan word, “relou” is the reversed form of “lourd” (heavy) and is used to describe something frustrating or unbearable. Example: Ce prof est trop relou. (This teacher is so annoying.)
Fric / Thune (Money) – Instead of “argent” (money), you’ll hear “fric” or “thune” in informal speech. Example: J’ai plus de thune. (I have no money left.)
Using these slang words in conversation may help you sound more like a native French speaker and better understand daily life interactions. Simply be mindful of the context, as some expressions are very informal. Start using these words into your French conversations, and soon, you will impress native speakers with your fluency!
Learn French (Hello-Hello) is a full-fledged language course with 30 LESSONS developed in collaboration with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), so you can be assured that these lessons follow an effective research-based methodology. All lessons are conversational based on realistic dialogues and situations, rather than a collection of out-of-context words and phrases. iTunes store link of Learn French (Hello-Hello)
Play Store – French Hello-Hello (Phone)
