Learning French in a classroom is one thing, but understanding how people actually speak in France is a whole different challenge! French slang, or argot, is everywhere—from casual conversations to movies and social media. Here are five must-know slang words and phrases that will help you sound more like a native.
1. Un truc de ouf (A crazy thing)
A common extension of ouf, this phrase emphasizes that something is completely out of the ordinary.
➡ Ce match était un truc de ouf ! (That match was insane!)
2. C'est relou! (it’s annoying)
Relou is a verlan word, meaning that it is formed by inverting another word’s syllables. This French slang word originates from ‘lourd,’ which translates to heavy. But we use "relou" to refer to something unpleasant, boring or unpleasant.
➡ Il pleut, c'est relou ! (It's raining, that's annoying!)
3. Grave (Totally, Seriously)
This word is used to agree with someone or to emphasize something. It doesn’t mean “serious” in slang—quite the opposite!
➡ Tu trouves qu’il est sympa ? – Grave ! (You think he’s nice? Totally!)
4. Boulot (Job, Work)
Instead of using travail (work), most people in France say boulot when talking about their jobs.
➡ J’ai trop de boulot en ce moment. (I have so much work right now.)
5. Laisse tomber (Drop it, let it go, just leave it)
If somebody ever tells you to laisse tomber, they are telling you to ‘let it go’ or to ‘drop the conversation.’ It is a bit like ‘never mind’ in English.
➡ Il y a trop de monde, laisse tomber. (It's too crowded, just leave it.)
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