What is slang in french?

As most French language learners discover while visiting France, learning the language in lessons and speaking like a local can be two very different things. That’s why it’s important to not only focus on learning French pronunciation, but also getting familiar with the kinds of French slang you might hear as part of everyday speech.

French slang can be localized and each region will have its own vernacular. There are three kinds of French slang that are in common usage among native speakers: louchébem, argot, and verlan or as the French say—verlan à l’envers.

Verlan is a playful slang popular among youth, where French words are formed by switching the order in which the syllables are pronounced. The word verlan itself is a great example of verlan because it is à l’envers (which means reverse) backward.

Verlan began as a way for people to speak French in code to mask communication, either during wars or revolutions when secrecy was vital. When it was first used, Verlan was reserved for taboo topics like conducting illegal activities. Today, Verlan has crept into much of the slang used in French music, especially hip-hop and other parts of popular French culture. Eager to start using verlan so you can speak up for yourself? Let’s start with the basics of learning to speak this French slang.

Now that you’ve gotten the hang of verlan, let’s touch upon the rules that guide how this popular French slang works. Randomly inverting the syllables of pronunciation in French words won’t make you sound like a local. In fact, you’ll get some perplexed looks from native speakers. Verlan is typically limited to one or two keywords in a sentence and may be mixed with other types of slang or idioms. Here are few established examples of verlan you might hear when you visit France:

Céfran (Français – French)

Cimer (Merci – Thank You)

Oim (Moi – Me)

Meuf (Femme – Woman)

Reuf (Frère – Brother)

Reum (Mère – Mother)

Teuf (Fête – Party)

Vénère (Énervé – Angry)

Tromé (Métro – Metro)

Verlan is rarely created on the fly by French speakers. Instead, it’s used as a way to mark yourself as an insider by using slang words that are already part of the established vocabulary. Several verlan words that have made their way into mainstream culture, including ripou, which is rotten or pourri reversed, and is used to refer to corrupt police officers. Like most slang, the usage of verlan is reserved for informal situations and is typically only spoken among close friends

Rosetta Stone emphasizes the importance of learning French in context for precisely this reason. Teaching vocabulary and other language concepts alongside audio and visual cues that simulate everyday situations helps language learners decide when to use more respectful, formal speech and when to pepper French slang into your sentences to sound like a local.

Before you attempt to translate French slang for yourself, here are a few tips that govern how, when, and why you might substitute your Rosetta Stone French for verlan expressions.

Not every French word can be used as verlan merely by inverting the syllables or pronunciation. Sometimes verlan is straightforward, switching the order in which syllables in the original word are pronounced. For example, if you were speaking verlan, you might say céfran instead of français, dropping the final vowel sound after you invert the word. One-syllable verlan words usually don’t follow such rules, and longer French words with multiple syllables might have several different version of verlan. For instance, cigarette might become either garetsi or retsiga when used as verlan.

Don’t get hung up on the spelling or the rules. This is why it may be easier to learn verlan as part of your practice speaking French instead of from traditional French lessons. Verlan is a very vibrant part of the French language, and it’s often evolving, adding or suppressing the final vowel, cutting parts of the word, or even deleting syllables out of longer words.

We have compiled a list of 275 of the best colloquial and informal words and phrases so you can get ready for your next trip to France, Canada or any other French-speaking country... or your next Zoom meeting with your amis francophones!

From French text slang to French slang for cool, you’ll be sure to impress. And if you make a faux pas, you’re in for a good laugh. Read on!

Sure, it’s useful to know the basics like the French alphabet or how to say hello in French.

But if you want to take your French learning to the next level, consider learning French slang phrases. Here is a few reasons why:

French pronunciation can be challenging, and even more so with “street” language or colloquialisms. Add in regional differences, such as Québécois or Swiss-French, and it’s even trickier.

Heureusement, the International Phonetic Alphabet can help. And if you don’t know it yet or want to go straight to slang learning, we’ve got you covered with the English phonetic pronunciation. Les doigts dans le nez !

We've created a list of popular slang words and phrases so you can start sounding like, and connect with French locals. This guide to slang will take your French learning to the next level.

Canadian slang deserves a whole article, but here are a few expressions and words to get you started.

The most common slang for “Have fun” is “s’éclater”.

Modern French expressions use a lot of Anglicisms. For example, you can say “C’est la life” instead of “C’est la vie”.

If you like a French mec or meuf, you can express your feelings with “J’te kiffe” (slang phrase for “I like you”).

The English Internet language has lol and rofl. The French Internet language has mdr (mort de rire) and ptdr (pété de rire), respectively.

If you can’t travel to a French-speaking country at the moment, the Internet is a wonderful place to find francophones to speak or chat with. You can also search for tandem/language exchange programs in your area.

Yes, you read that right. Watch recent French-speaking movies and TV shows to learn new slang, and the slang words and phrases you’ve just learned in this article. Nice homework, right?

With regular lessons and study, you’ll integrate new slang words and phrases and reach a French level qui déchire!

With 273 phrases and words under your belt, you are au taquet to fit in among French speakers!

And our French text slang words will help you sound like a local even when texting. Trop cool, non ?