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# 20 French Slang Phrases to Sound Like a Native
- URL: https://blog.lingodeer.com/20-french-slang-phrases-to-sound-like-a-native/
- Published: 2024-09-26T02:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-12T04:22:20.000Z
- Description: Found in music, TV, and casual conversations, French slang (or argot) is informal, playful, and ever-evolving. Let’s take a closer look!
- Author: Dear Deer
- Tags: Learn French

Have you ever noticed that the French you learn in textbooks doesn't always match how native speakers actually talk? That's because of French slang. Slang, or [*argot*](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argot?ref=blog.lingodeer.com), is used everywhere—whether in music, TV shows, social media, or casual conversations. It's informal, playful, and constantly evolving, which makes it both fascinating and fun!

To learn authentic French slang, listen for these expressions in real conversations and note who uses them, in what situation, and with what tone. Slang can be highly informal, so context matters as much as literal meaning.

## 20 Essential French Slang Phrases You Need to Know

To get you started, we’ve listed **20 essential French slang phrases** that will take your conversation skills to the next level. Use them to sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook! Let’s dive in:

### **1\. *C’est pas terrible***

**Literal Translation:** It's not terrible  
**Meaning:** It’s not that great  
This phrase uses French irony. When someone says "*c'est pas terrible*," they actually mean something is pretty bad. Great for describing an underwhelming party or meal.

### **2\. *Avoir la flemme***

**Literal Translation:** To have laziness  
**Meaning:** To be too lazy  
Feeling unmotivated? Use this phrase when you just can't be bothered. It’s the perfect French slang for lazy days.

### **3\. *Être crevé***

**Literal Translation:** To be punctured  
**Meaning:** To be exhausted  
After a long day, say "*je suis crevé*" to let your friends know you’re completely wiped out.

### **4\. *Ça craint***

**Literal Translation:** That fears  
**Meaning:** That sucks  
Use "*ça craint*" when things don’t go as planned. It’s perfect for venting frustration when you miss the last bus or get caught in bad weather.

### **5\. *Se prendre un râteau***

**Literal Translation:** To take a rake  
**Meaning:** To get rejected  
Usually used in romance, this phrase humorously describes getting turned down by someone.

### **6\. *Être vénère***

**Literal Translation:** To be angry  
**Meaning:** To be mad (*Verlan*)  
"Vénère" is slang created by reversing syllables. It’s used to express annoyance or anger.

### **7\. *Avoir le cafard***

**Literal Translation:** To have the cockroach  
**Meaning:** To feel down or depressed  
This colorful expression is used when you're feeling low or sad.

### **8\. *Être au taquet***

**Literal Translation:** To be at the stopper  
**Meaning:** To be hyper or full of energy  
When you’re super excited or full of energy, use this slang phrase to show it.

### **9. *Péter un câble***

**Literal Translation:** To blow a fuse  
**Meaning:** To lose it  
Perfect for when something drives you crazy, whether it’s stress or anger.

### **10\. *Ouf***

**Literal Translation:** Crazy  
**Meaning:** Amazing (*Verlan*)  
"*Ouf*" is verlan for "*fou*" (crazy), but it’s used positively to describe something amazing.

### **11\. *Chelou***

**Literal Translation:** Shady  
**Meaning:** Weird (*Verlan*)  
If something seems off or strange, "*chelou*" is the right word to use.

### **12\. *Grave***

**Literal Translation:** Serious  
**Meaning:** Totally, seriously  
Agreeing with someone? Just say "*grave*" to show your enthusiasm.

### **13\. *Kiffer***

**Literal Translation:** To love  
**Meaning:** To like or enjoy  
Borrowed from Arabic, "*kiffer*" is widely used to express enjoying something.

### **14\. *La daronne***

**Literal Translation:** The mother  
**Meaning:** Mom (informal)  
A casual term for mom, often used in urban slang.

### **15\. *Balèze***

**Literal Translation:** Strong  
**Meaning:** Tough or muscular  
Use this word to compliment someone who's impressively strong or capable.

### **16\. *Zarbi***

**Literal Translation:** Bizarre  
**Meaning:** Strange or weird (*Verlan*)  
Similar to "*chelou,*" "*zarbi*" describes something odd or unusual.

### **17. *Se la péter***

**Literal Translation:** To fart oneself  
**Meaning:** To show off  
Use this playful slang to describe someone who's bragging or showing off.

### **18\. *Fringues***

**Literal Translation:** Rags  
**Meaning:** Clothes (informal)  
Instead of saying "*vêtements*," use "*fringues*" in casual conversations about fashion.

### **19\. *Blé***

**Literal Translation:** Wheat  
**Meaning:** Money  
"*Blé*" is a casual word for money, often heard in songs or informal chats.

### **20\. *Mec***

**Literal Translation:** Guy  
**Meaning:** Dude or guy  
"*Mec*" is the go-to word for referring to a guy, while "*meuf*" (verlan for "*femme*") is used for girls.

By mastering these French slang phrases, you’ll understand informal speech more easily and sound less textbook-like. Keep improving by listening to contemporary French media and [exploring additional French-learning tools](https://blog.lingodeer.com/7-free-online-tools-to-learn-french/). Then try the expressions in suitable contexts—*c’est grave cool*!