What to say if you don’t quite catch what your French friends say, a phrase that’s not popular in one French town, and something about noses that isn’t really about noses – here are our favourite French words and phrases.
Every day The Local publishes a French word or phrase of the day, focusing on colloquialisms, slang, sayings (and a bit of swearing) – you know, the type of French you might not learn in the classroom, but will hear all the time in the street.
This daily habit means we have a very extensive back catalogue – find it here – and we’ve picked out eight of our recent favourites.
Groupuscule — a word often seen in the media and useful for understanding political discussions that start discussing marginal groups. Handy to know given that France is now on the long pull to the 2027 Presidential elections. Find out more, here.
Prendre le melon — a phrase that doesn’t always refer to the delicious, juicy fruit. And one you might not want to hear said about you. We explain.
Capter — The next time you do not understand a word or phrase out of your French friend’s mouth, this verb might come in handy. More here.
Poule mouillée — There’s a touch of the schoolyard about this insult, but it’s none-the-worse for that. Find out how to use this phrase here.
Tourner au vinaigre — the perfect phrase to describe your once-wonderful, now less-than-wonderful former roommate, in-laws, exes… Learn more.
Se faire limoger — a phrase commonly employed in the media that the people of Limoges really don’t like. Find out why, here.
Projet perso — This French phrase is handy to know if the work you’re doing is unrelated to the work you should be doing.
Avoir le nez creux — This French expression doesn’t really mean you have a hollow nose, or have anything to do with your nose, whatsoever. Find out what we’re talking about here.
