Learning French can be an exciting adventure, but it’s the goofy and amusing idioms used in daily conversations that truly make it fascinating. These expressions seldom make much sense when translated directly and offer insight into French culture and humor. Whether you’re planning a trip to France or simply want to impress your French-speaking friend, here are 8 funny French phrases you need to know!
1. “Avoir le cafard”
Literal translation: “To have the cockroach.” Meaning: To feel down or depressed.
Imagine someone moping around, saying they “have the cockroach.” It’s a quirky and memorable way to describe feeling down. Thankfully, a little French wine can usually chase those cockroaches away!
2. “Les carottes sont cuites”
Literal translation: “The carrots are cooked.” Meaning: It’s too late; the situation is hopeless.
This expression originates from a period when cooked carrots indicated that a meal—and therefore something—was finished. If you hear a French person sighing, “Les carottes sont cuites,” you know things are not looking good.
3. “Donner sa langue au chat”
Literal translation: “To give your tongue to the cat.” Meaning: To give up or admit you don’t know something.
In France, if you can’t guess the answer to a question, you don’t “throw in the towel”—you donate your tongue to a cat. Why a cat? Nobody knows, but perhaps it’s because cats are famously enigmatic.
4. “Être dans la lune”
Literal translation: “To be in the moon.” Meaning: To be daydreaming or distracted.
When you get caught staring out the window by your French teacher, who’s trying to have you conjugate your verbs, you might be accused of being on the moon. It’s a poetic way of saying your head is in the clouds.
5. “Faire la grasse matinée”
Literal translation: “To do the fat morning.” Meaning: To sleep in.
This indulgent phrase paints a delightful picture of lazy morning lounging in bed. It’s a beloved activity in France, especially after a long week or a big night out.
6. “Poser un lapin”
Literal translation: “To put down a rabbit.” Meaning: To stand someone up.
If someone strands you on a date in France, they’ve “put down a rabbit.” It’s not about hunting but rather a humorous way to say they left you hanging.
7. “Arrête ton char!”
Literal translation: “Stop your chariot!” Meaning: Stop exaggerating or lying.
This phrase harks back to ancient Roman times but is still alive in modern French slang. If someone is telling a tall tale, you can dramatically say, “Arrête ton char!” and call them out.
8. “Avoir un petit creux”
Literal translation: “To have a little hollow.” Meaning: To feel a bit hungry.
Instead of saying they’re “peckish,” the French describe their stomachs as having a small hollow. It’s a sweet way to say it’s time for a snack—or maybe a baguette or two.
Why Learn Funny French Phrases?
These idioms not only make you sound more like a native speaker, but they also add a touch of humor to your language learning. Plus, they’re great conversation starters! So next time you’re chatting with a French friend or traveling through Paris, don’t forget to slip in a cockroach, a rabbit, or some cooked carrots into your conversation.
What is your favorite French expression?
Let’s hear about it in the comments section! Who knows? We might even pick up a few more funny expressions.
