When and why do we say ne pas être fute-fute?

We look at a playful French phrase that can be used to say that someone is not particularly bright, and explain how to use it in casual contexts. 

What does ne pas être fute-fute mean?

It literally translates as: to not be clever clever.

It is used as an informal way of describing somebody who is not very smart, or even a bit dumb (un peu bête). 

English-speakers may use the equivalent expressions, ‘not the sharpest tool in the shed’ or ‘not the brightest spark.’

It is most often used with a negation, and so you do not tend to hear people saying fute-fute to describe someone brainy. 

A similar French phrase is être bas du front (literally: to be of low forehead). 

What are the origins of ne pas être fute-fute?

This expression has grown in popularity since the beginning of the 21st Century and comes from the adjective futé, which means clever, cunning or sly. 

For example, you might hear the French saying: futé comme un renard (as sly as a fox). 

Note that despite futé having an acute accent (creating an [ay] sound), fute-fute is pronounced without the accent. 

When do you say ne pas être fute-fute?

Use it to describe someone who is a bit silly or naive:

• Mon amie se fait toujours avoir par des arnaques. Elle n'est pas très fute-fute. - My friend always falls for scams. She is not very bright.

It can also be used to say that someone is unintelligent:

• Mon frère me dit que je ne suis pas très fute-fute, car je ne sais pas faire de calcul mental. - My brother says I am a bit stupid because I cannot do mental maths.

Try flipping the phrase to say something is easy:

• Pas besoin d'être très fute-fute pour résoudre un Sudoku. - You don't need to be very brainy to solve a Sudoku puzzle.

To whom do you say ne pas être fute-fute?

It is informal language that should only really be used with friends and family and it could cause offense. You should completely avoid using it in formal contexts. 

You are more likely to say this outloud, rather than seeing it written down.

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com