Curse words, also known as swear words, bad words, or insults, are for most people considered taboo when teaching and learning French. Teachers will definitely cringe at the thought of their students learning French curse words. For a word to qualify as a swear word it must have the potential to offend, crossing a cultural line into taboo territory. So why would your teacher want you to spend time learning the “wrong way” to speak French?
On this page you will discover why you need at least to understand curse words, you will boost your comprehension skills by learning the power of swear words! Don’t forget to download your gifts: 3 FREE French Cheat Sheets from the Top Slang Words you’ll hear in to the Top Rated-R Curse Words!
Here are 2 reasons why you should study curse and strong words expressions when learning French:
If you plan to study French to speak with native speakers, then you better learn strong words. Native speakers won’t always use formal expressions, otherwise, it would be difficult to establish a real connection. When breaking the ice, it’s not uncommon to joke around or even use curse words for a reason or another. So it is best to at least learn some curse words and expressions if you plan to make friends, to catch everything during small talks.
If you turn on any popular French TV show you are quickly going to see the value of learning curse words. Just like everyday conversations, French culture is filled with curse words or expressions. Without some knowledge, popular culture and informal conversation can be quite confusing.
Identifying French curse words will help you improve your comprehension, give you a better understanding of people and culture. However, using those vulgar words can make you look like a fool, uneducated and disrespectful. Words can be offensive, use the wrong ones and you will quickly turn out to be rude and mean people.
You need to pay attention to understand the context and the cultural sensitivity to use them with caution if you ever decide to use them! Never forget to be responsible and feel the emotion behind the words and how they affect others. I am sure you don’t want French people not only to take you for a creep but also to hate you. Right?
You’ve made up so far, it’s time to reward you with your free pdf Cheat Sheet. From French slang to Rated-R curse words we’ve gathered a collection of Cheat Sheet covering the words that you have more chance to hear in the streets of than in a textbook!
Now if you are ready for it, just log in or create a Free Lifetime Account (which will take you 10 seconds), download your pdf and discover a whole new world for any French learner.
This Cheat Sheet contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. It mainly contains French slang words, nothing offensive but it is informal, only to be used in small talk with friends.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Être au taquet | to be going flat out |
| Se faire griller | to be busted |
| C’est ouf | It’s crazy |
| Flipper | to freak out |
| Kiffer | to like |
| Ouais, enfin… | Yeah, well… |
| Laisse tomber/td> | Nevermind that |
| N’importe quoi.. | nonsense |
| Ça roule! | Alright! |
| Bouffer | to eat |
| C’est relou | It’s annoying |
| Etre vénère | to be angry |
| Mec | guy |
| Meuf | chick |
| Avoir le seum | to be pissed |
This Cheat Sheet contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 13 years old. It mainly contains French strong words used in everyday life, recommended to be used with caution and friends only. (Example: Fool, Idiot, Stupid, Lame…)
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Ringard | uncool |
| Fou | crazy |
| Effrayant | frightening |
| Bête | dumb |
| Imbécile | fool |
| Idiot | idiot |
| Connard | jerk |
| Nul | lame |
| Casse-pieds | pain in the neck |
| Mince! | Shoot! |
| Ferme-la! | Shut up!! |
| Stupide | stupid |
| Agacé | ticked off |
| Bizarre | weird |
| Mauviette | wimp |
This Cheat Sheet is specifically designed to be downloaded by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 18. It mainly contains French curse words, insulting expressions that will make you sound vulgar. (Example: Damn it, Bastard, What the F***, F words…)
