When I first started learning French, I thought it was all about grammar rules, verb conjugations, and memorizing vocabulary lists. Pretty dry stuff, right? But then, something clicked. It was not the textbook sentences or the perfectly structured conversation exercises that made me feel connected to the language and the people who speak it. It was the slang. The real, messy, colorful, everyday French words you will not find in any proper language book.
Slang is like the secret handshake of a community. It tells you: “You belong here. You get it.” Suddenly, the language stops being a classroom exercise and turns into a living, breathing thing. That feeling—the spark that hit when I dropped a casual “Ça roule?” or “Chiant!” in a conversation—made me feel part of the culture. Not just a visitor, not just a clumsy student, but someone who belongs.
If you ever want to truly learn French, dive into the slang that actual French people use. Not the fancy, polished stuff. The everyday chatter that zings and cracks with personality. Here are some French slang words and phrases I use all the time, how they made me feel connected, and a few tips on how you can do the same.
What Is French Slang, Really?
First of all, French slang is a lot more than just “bad language.” Yes, there are swear words, but slang also includes nicknames, abbreviations, playful twists on words, and expressions that reveal attitudes, moods, and vibes. It is the way people laugh, tease, and show off their cleverness.
Think of it like the spice that transforms a simple dish. A “bonjour” (hello) is polite but bland. A “salut mec!” sounds friendly and casual, like you just bumped into a buddy on the street. That feels human.
Why I Started Using French Slang (And How It Changed Things)
When I first moved to France, I sounded like a dictionary. Coffe, please. Where is train station? How much this cost? The French were kind but sometimes looked at me like a confused tourist. I tried formal French, but it felt fake, too stiff. Then I started listening to how people really talked, how their words bent and danced.
I heard someone say “Ça roule?” instead of the usual “Comment ça va?” and I thought: why not try that? It means “How’s it going?” but sounds way cooler. So next time I asked a taxi driver that, he smiled and chuckled, like I had just passed some secret test.
That felt amazing. It was a small moment, but it reminded me that languages are about connection, not just perfection.
Some French Slang I Actually Use (And Love)
Here are a few words and phrases I grabbed from real-life luck, stress, joy, and boredom, which helped me truly fit in:
- Ça roule? — Literally, “Is it rolling?” This means “How’s it going?” or “All good?” Use it with friends, coworkers, or even strangers in a casual setting.
- Chiant(e) — Sometimes people or situations are just annoying or a pain in the neck. That’s “chiant.” It is blunt, a bit rude—but it helps vent frustration when things get dull or tedious.
- Ouf — Crazy, intense, or just unbelievable. It is “fou” (mad) flipped backwards in slang. Used when something blows your mind. For example, “Ce concert était ouf!” (This concert was insane!)
- Je kiffe — Means “I love” or “I really like.” The verb “kiffer” comes from Arabic influence, and it totally changed my way of expressing enthusiasm. Instead of boring “J’aime,” just say “Je kiffe!” and instantly sound cooler.
- Ça craint — Literally “that sucks” or “that is sketchy.” Perfect for bad situations or things you want to avoid.
- Piger — To understand. A nicer way to say “comprendre.” “Tu piges?” means “You get it?” It is super handy in conversations.
- Nickel — Perfect, spotless, great. “Ton boulot est nickel” means “Your work is perfect.” Simple and positive.
- Un truc — A thing, stuff, whatever. When you do not remember a word or want to sound casual. “Passe-moi ce truc” (Pass me that thing).
How Using Slang Made Me Feel
I did not just learn these words for the fun of it. Using them changed how people reacted to me. For once, they relaxed. I was no longer the perfect but awkward student. I was someone who spoke their language in their style. People started to joke with me, invite me to things, and share little cultural nuances I had never seen before.
It was like someone handed me a secret key. Suddenly, I was not just in France, I was a part of it.
How to Learn and Use French Slang Without Feeling Weird
Here is the truth: slang can feel intimidating, especially if you are worried about getting it wrong or sounding rude. I get it. When I first tried slang, I was paranoid that I might insult someone accidentally or mess up in public.
Here are some things I did that helped me not just survive the slang, but thrive in it:
- Listen, then repeat. Watch French shows, listen to music, or follow YouTubers who speak naturally. The more you hear slang, the less strange it feels.
- Use it with friends or in safe spaces. Try slang with people you know will gently correct you or laugh with you, not at you.
- Observe context. Some slang works great in casual talk but not in formal settings. Know where to drop “Oh la vache!” (Wow!) and where to keep it polite.
- Ask questions. When you hear a new slang word, ask what it means and how it is used. French folks usually love to explain their fun words.
- Do not force it. Use slang when it feels natural. If you overdo it, it sounds fake, and that will put people off more than a tiny mistake.
French Slang Will Teach You More Than Just Words
Slang is full of history, social clues, and cultural layers. When you learn slang, you start to see things differently. For example, the word “kiffer” coming from Arabic tells stories about France’s diverse society and cultural mix. It is like reading between the lines of a language, picking up on all the little things people say around the edges of formal talks.
The more slang I absorbed, the more I understood jokes, sarcasm, and the special French way of complaining (which they do a lot, by the way, and with flair).
Slang also taught me patience. You cannot rush feeling part of a culture. Slang is messy, sometimes confusing, and full of exceptions. It forced me to slow down, listen deeply, and enjoy the process of becoming truly bilingual—not just textbook-smart.
Some Fun Everyday Phrases That Will Make You Smile
- Oh la vache! — Literal meaning “Oh the cow!” but it means “Wow!” or “No way!” Incredibly popular exclamation.
- T’inquiète — Short for “Ne t’inquiète pas” (Do not worry). Quick reassurance.
- Bof — A sound that means “meh,” uncertainty, or indifference.
- Meuf — “Femme” (woman) reversed in slang, often used when talking about a girl or woman.
- Le boulot — Work or job. More casual than “le travail.”
Try Adding Slang to Your French Routine
If you want to feel what I felt, sprinkle some slang in your learning plan. Do not ditch grammar or vocabulary, but think of slang like the seasoning that makes your French come alive. Pick one or two expressions a week. Practice them in sentences. Write little dialogues. Try them when you chat online or speak with native speakers.
It will surprise you how quickly people warm up to you when you speak their slang. Plus, you start to think in French, not just translate from your head.
A Final Thought
Learning a language is not about perfection. It is about connection. Slang helped me shed my fear of sounding stupid and opened doors to friendship, laughter, and real culture. When you say “Ça roule?” instead of a stiff “Comment ça va?” you are saying “I get you.” That is powerful.
So, next time you are stuck with the formal French, try switching gears. Listen for slang, try one phrase, and watch your French world grow. It will not just make you speak better—it will make you feel at home.