top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

It’s not a smartphone, it’s a ‘mobile multifonction’

Language authority publishes list of recommended French terms for 21st-century life

If you are one of those people who hates the English-creep into the language of Molière's, you will be pleased to know that guardian of French the Commission d'enrichissement de la langue française on Thursday published the recommended French terms for modern media and telecommunications in the Journal Officiel.

“Smartphone” is out. Instead, the French should say “mobile multifonction”, or “mobile” for short. A Smart TV should be correctly referred to as “téléviseur connecté”.

Most of the terms included are direct translations of the English, which makes life a little easier. “The Internet of Things”, a term used to describe the network of connected technologies in a modern home, is now “Internet des objets”; while net neutrality - a hot topic in the USA right now - translates as “neutralité de l’Internet”. A phone scam, meanwhile, is an “appel-piège”.

Language authorities in France have tried to phase out Smartphone before. Previous recommendations included “terminal de poche” or “ordiphone”, so whether ‘mobile multifonction’ is more successful remains to be seen.

For the full list of terms - from fibronique to appel-piège - click here

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France