35 French Slang Words and Phrases to Speak Like a Native

French is an old language that can be dated back to 842, but not all the words used then are still around. Modern vocabulary and cultural diversity have resulted in a ton of French slang words and French slang phrases that continue to evolve each year. While some French slang has a literal translation, other words have simply been created using syllables of other French words. These new words are called verlan, which is actually a verlan word from the French word l'envers (backwards or upside down).

Whether you want to learn French just for fun, you’re planning a trip to a French-speaking country, or you’re moving somewhere that speaks French, slang can help you sound more like a native speaker. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 40 French slang words and phrases to help you sound like a local.

French Slang Words You Should Know

There are several French slang words that can help you sound like a native, the key is learning when to use them. Some can be used for greetings in French, in place of French verbs, and even as a way to add a little flare to your sentences. To get started, here are some of the most common French slang words you’ll hear.

1. Chanmé

This is a French slang version of the word ‘méchant,’ which translates to nasty or mean. However, however counterintuitive that may be, chanmé is actually used to describe something as ‘awesome.’

2. Chelou

This comes from the word ‘louche,’ which translates to shady or strange. Unlike the French slang word above, the meaning is actually the same. So, if you want to call something shady in French, just say chelou.

3. Cimer

Cimer kind of sounds like a common French word we all know—merci—and actually has the same meaning! The main difference with this French slang word is that it’s used in a passive-aggressive way, kind of like saying ‘thanks for nothing.’

4. Ouf

If you want to say something is amazing or insane (in a good way), you can use ouf. This derives from ‘fou,’ which directly translates to crazy.

5. Teuf

This French slang word is a version of the word ‘fête,’ which means party. Teuf carries the same meaning, even though it’s definitely one of the older pieces of French slang (hello 90s slang!).

6. Pécho

Pécho is verlan for the French word ‘choper,’ which translates to grab. However, pécho takes that word to a new level. It can mean things like ‘to date someone,’ ‘to buy drugs,’ ‘to sleep with someone,’ or even… ‘to grab something.’ Use it carefully!

7. Vénère

This French slang derives from the word ‘énervé’, and actually carries the same meaning. Both of them can be used to say annoyed or irritated.

8. Bolos

Bolos is technically a French slang word, but it was recently added to the French dictionary! It’s used to describe someone who is a little bit of a coward or naïve. It can also be used as a way to describe someone ridiculous or a little dumb.

9. Relou

This French slang word originates from ‘lourd,’ which translates to heavy. However, when you say something is ‘relou,’ you’re actually saying it’s annoying.

10. Mater

Mater is one of the French verbs that translates to ‘subdue.’ However, when used as French slang, it often means ‘to check out.’

11. Bouffer

This French slang word is used as a replacement for the verb ‘manger,’ which means to eat. Although they mean basically the same, bouffer adds a connotation of eating a bit greedily or excessively.

12. Pote

When talking about a close friend or buddy, you can say pote. It’s gender neutral and similar to the word ‘mate.’

13. Chouette

This French word directly translates to ‘owl,’ but carries a different meaning when used as French slang. Instead of saying something is an owl, you can use chouette to say something or someone is cool or great.

14. Frérot

This French slang word is used as a way to say ‘bro’ among friends. However, the direct translation literally means ‘little brother.’

15. Chiant/e

Technically, this can be used several ways. Most commonly, it’s used to describe something that is a ‘pain in the ass.’

16. Oklm

Next on our list of French slang words is oklm. This is technically the phonetic version of ‘au calme’ and is used to say something is ‘cool’ or ‘hip.’

17. Une clope

When you want to describe a group of smokers, you can call them ‘une clope.’ If you want to ask someone for a cigarette, you can ask if they have a ‘clope.’

18. Mytho

This is a French slang word that’s often used as an insult. It’s a shortened version of the word ‘mythomana,’ which translates to ‘compulsive liar.’ So, saying that someone is a mytho is basically saying they’re a liar.

19. Wesh

This is kind of like saying, what’s up in French slang, but wesh or wech is used more ironically. It’s kind of like saying ‘yo,’ and originates from French rappers outside of Paris!

20. Un truc

This is one of the most common French slang words used by all speakers. It’s an alternative word for saying ‘a thing’ in French, usually when someone can’t remember what it’s actually called. In English, someone might say, “Oh, you know… that thingie that plugs into the car’s stereo.”

21. Un bordel

The literal translation for this word is ‘a brothel,’ but in French slang, it’s used as a replacement for ‘a mess’ or ‘chaos. It may also be used to say something is a disaster.

22. Meuf

This is French slang for a woman, girl, check, etc. It can be used to describe any female friend, girlfriend, or person you know.

23. Mec

This is French slang for a guy, friend, dude, etc. It’s basically the same as the English word ‘bro.’

24. Frais/fraiche

This French slang word is used to say something is ‘fresh.’ Although this can technically be used literally, like in the case of food, it’s commonly used among younger generations to say something is ‘cool.’

25. Grave

Although this sounds like you’re about to talk about something serious, this French slang word actually turns serious into an adjective. It can be used to call something ‘seriously’ good or ‘seriously’ delicious.

Common French Slang Phrases

Although there aren’t many options to ask, “How are you doing?” in French slang, there are a ton of French slang phrases that can be incorporated into everyday conversation. Whether you want to strike up a conversation, comment on a situation, or get yourself out of a situation, there’s an option for you. To help you maximize your effectiveness at using these French slang phrases, download Tandem today! Then start incorporating some of the following into your conversations.

26. Ça baigne?

This is one of the best options for asking, “How are you?” in French slang. It’s similar to the commonly used ç ava and carries the same meaning. Although the French verb ‘baigne’ directly translates to ‘to bathe,’ the phrase has morphed into one of the commonly used French slang phrases today.

27. Arrête de te la péter

Although informal, this French slang phrase isn’t exactly explicit. Still, it’s best to use it among friends or people you know well, as the French word ‘péter’ directly translates to ‘to fart.’ However, when put together with the rest, this phrase is often used as a way to tell someone to stop showing off.

28. Laisse tomber

If you want to tell someone to ‘let it go’ or ‘drop it,’ use this French slang phrase. It can also mean ‘never mind,’ like when you’re trying to explain something to someone, but they’re simply not picking it up.

29. Être dans le coaltar

This French slang phrase directly translates to ‘to be in the coal tar.’ However, when used as slang, it means ‘to be in a daze.’ You can use this when you’re not thinking clearly, or something is causing your mind to be a bit muddled.

30. Avoir la flemme

This French phrase directly translates to ‘to have laziness,’ but when used as French slang, it means you can’t be bothered or can’t be asked to do something.

31. Avoir la seum

When you want to express your disapproval of something or tell someone that you’re ‘pissed off’ about something, you can use this French slang phrase. It’s quite Parisian and used mostly by younger generations, but it can definitely make an impression in conversation.

32. C’est n’importe quoi

If you want to say that something is ridiculous or nonsense, you can use this French slang phrase. In more PG-13 situations, it can also be used to say, ‘That’s bullshit!’

33. Je te kiffe

When you want to tell someone that you like them, you can use the French slang phrase, ‘je te kiffe.’ In fact, anytime you talk about things that you like or love, you can use the word ‘kiffe.’

34. Je suis crevé

When you’re super tired or exhausted, you can use this phrase. It’s a great French slang word to say when you’re just feeling a bit worn out.

35. Je me casse

Ever been in a situation where you just needed to get up and leave? If so, you can use the French slang phrase, je me case! Directly translated, this means ‘I break myself,’ but when used as slang, it means ‘I’m out of here!’ However, this is pretty informal, so try to only use it around close friends.

Learning French slang phrases and words is a great way to practice pronunciation, solidify your knowledge of the French alphabet, and strengthen your understanding of contextual content. While we hope this guide has been helpful and informative, the best way to get the most out of your knowledge is to match with a native speaker and start practicing. That’s where Tandem comes in. With millions of members worldwide, you’re sure to find someone who can help you gain confidence when speaking French. Whether you want to practice your French slang words or brush up on your numbers in French, your conversations can be self-guided, natural, and fun.

Tandem works to help our members foster a deeper understanding of language while improving fluency and building long-lasting friendships. All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. To join our community and work on your fluency, sign up for Tandem today.