Learning textbook French is important, but it is not how people actually speak in daily life. Native French speakers use slang constantly—in cafés, offices, metros, colleges, and even professional settings (informally). Indian learners often struggle because they understand standard French but feel lost when natives speak casually. French slang, also called langage familier, makes conversations sound natural, relaxed, and authentic. Using the right slang at the right time helps learners blend in, understand movies and series, and communicate confidently. This article introduces 10 of the most commonly used French slang words and expressions that you can safely use in daily life. Each example includes meaning, usage, pronunciation guidance, and a clear sentence to help you apply it instantly.
1. Mec
Meaning: guy / dude
English equivalent: guy, man
Pronunciation: mek
✔ Example:
C’est un mec sympa.
(He’s a nice guy.)
Mec is one of the most common slang words in French. It is informal but widely accepted in everyday speech.
2. Meuf
Meaning: girl / woman
English equivalent: girl
Pronunciation: meuf
✔ Example:
Cette meuf est drôle.
(This girl is funny.)
This comes from verlan (word reversal) of femme. Very common among young speakers.
3. Boulot
Meaning: job / work
English equivalent: job
Pronunciation: boo-lo
✔ Example:
Je vais au boulot.
(I’m going to work.)
Used daily in casual and semi-formal conversations.
4. Fric
Meaning: money
English equivalent: cash
Pronunciation: freek
✔ Example:
J’ai pas de fric.
(I have no money.)
Very common in spoken French.
5. Ça marche
Meaning: it works / okay
English equivalent: alright, okay
Pronunciation: sa marsh
✔ Example:
À 18h ? — Ça marche.
(At 6 pm? — Okay.)
Used constantly in daily conversations.
6. Kiffer
Meaning: to like / love
English equivalent: love it
Pronunciation: kee-fay
✔ Example:
Je kiffe ce film.
(I love this movie.)
Extremely popular among youth and media.
7. Laisse tomber
Meaning: forget it
English equivalent: drop it
Pronunciation: less tom-bay
✔ Example:
Laisse tomber, c’est pas grave.
(Forget it, it’s not serious.)
Used to end discussions casually.
8. Bouffer
Meaning: to eat
English equivalent: eat (informal)
Pronunciation: boo-fay
✔ Example:
On va bouffer ?
(Shall we eat?)
Very common but informal.
9. Crevé
Meaning: exhausted
English equivalent: dead tired
Pronunciation: kruh-vay
✔ Example:
Je suis crevé aujourd’hui.
(I’m exhausted today.)
Used daily in casual speech.
10. Grave
Meaning: totally / seriously
English equivalent: totally
Pronunciation: grav
✔ Example:
C’est grave bien !
(It’s really good!)
Used as an intensifier in modern French.
Conclusion
French slang is not about being rude—it is about being real. Knowing and using common slang helps Indian learners sound natural, understand native speakers, and feel confident in real-life situations. These expressions appear in conversations, movies, YouTube videos, and daily interactions across France and Francophone countries. When used correctly and in the right context, slang makes your French more fluent, modern, and authentic. Mastering these words bridges the gap between classroom French and real-world French.