Thanks to all readers who sent in English terms used in French that they find quirky or funny. We note that some of them such as ‘footing’ for jogging do not actually exist in English but are based on it.
Read also: Learning French: Five ways to push through the pain barrier
Here are our favourites so far, but please keep suggestions coming in to news@connexionfrance.com.
Du cash (some money)
Un coach (a personal trainer)
Un dealer (a drug dealer)
Les baskets (trainers)
Le rimmel (eye makeup)
Le brushing (blow dry)
Le weekend (weekend)
Le shampooing (shampoo)
Le footing (jogging)
Un smoking (tuxedo)
Un piercing (pierced nose or other part of the body)
Un snacking (fast food cafe)
Un relooking (makeover)
Un camping (campsite)
Un pressing (dry cleaner)
Snober (to treat with disdain)
C’est cool (that’s cool)
Flasher (to have a crush on/to be flashed by a speed camera)
Un parking (car park)
Le Brexit (Brexit)
Le planning (work rota)
De grand standing (luxury)
Un bon feeling (a good feeling)
Un chewing-gum (chewing gum)
Read more
‘Qui se ressemble s’assemble’: Our French expression of the week
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Visa and residency cards for France*
