Learning a new language always involves understanding both formal and informal expressions. French, like any other language, has its fair share of slang terms, especially among teenagers. If you’re looking to blend in with the French youth or simply want to understand contemporary French movies or songs better, getting to know these commonly used slang terms could be incredibly beneficial. Here are some French slang terms every teen uses:
Ouf
Derived by reversing the letters of ‘fou’ which means crazy, ‘ouf’ is used to describe something that’s incredible or crazy in a good way. It’s often used to express surprise or amazement.
C’est ouf, comment il a réussi à faire ça!
Bosser
‘Bosser’ is the slang term for working, usually used in a casual context.
Je dois bosser ce weekend pour finir mon projet.
Chelou
This is another example of verlan, a style of slang that involves inverting syllables; it comes from ‘louche’ which means shady or suspicious.
Ce type là-bas me semble un peu chelou.
Daron/Daronne
These terms are slang for father and mother respectively.
Je ne peux pas sortir ce soir, mes darons rentrent tôt.
Frangin/Frangine
Used to refer to a brother (frangin) or sister (frangine), these terms are more colloquial and affectionate.
Mon frangin vient me rendre visite ce weekend.
Kiffer
To really like something or someone. It can be used in the same way as ‘like’ or ‘love’ in English.
Je kiffe cette chanson, je ne peux pas arrêter de l’écouter!
Reuf
Another verlan term, derived from ‘frère’ meaning brother, used to refer to a close friend.
Salut, mon reuf, ça va?
Tarpin
This is a popular expression in Marseille, meaning very or a lot.
Il fait tarpin chaud aujourd’hui!
Teuf
A verlan of ‘fête’, which means party. It is commonly used to refer to casual, often spontaneous, gatherings.
On organise une teuf samedi soir, tu viens?
Vénère
Short for ‘vénère’, which is slang for being extremely angry or furious.
Il était vénère après avoir perdu son match.
Ça baigne
Literally translates to ‘it swims’, but is used to mean ‘it’s going well’.
Salut, comment ça va? – Ça baigne, et toi?
Galère
Used to describe a difficult or troublesome situation.
C’est toujours une galère de trouver une place de parking ici.
Gavé
Mostly used in the Bordeaux region, meaning very or a lot, similar to ‘tarpin’.
C’est gavé bon, cette pizza!
Relou
Another verlan term, coming from ‘lourd’, which means heavy or tough, but used to describe someone or something that’s annoying or a pain to deal with.
Arrête, tu deviens relou là!
Zarbi
Derived from ‘bizarre’, zarbi is used to describe something or someone strange or weird.
Son comportement est vraiment zarbi en ce moment.
Understanding and using these slang terms will not only enhance your vocabulary but also give you deeper insight into French culture, especially among the younger generation. Slang evolves quickly, so immersing yourself in contemporary media and conversations can be a great way to keep up-to-date. Whether you’re chatting online with French friends or exploring the streets of Paris, these expressions will certainly come in handy.
