10 Phrases You Won’t Learn in French Class

10 Phrases You Won’t Learn in French Class

Updated Aug 2, 2023

The French are really very gifted at the insult. The fun part is that even though you’re saying something horrifically dirty, it still sounds elegant. Your French teacher definitely never taught you any of these. Use these phrases with caution! Please note that there are a variety of ways to say ‘fuck’ in French, so you’ll see a few different words in the list below.

1. ça me fait chier!

Literal translation: That makes me shit.
Practical use: Use it to say ‘that pisses me off,’ though keep in mind that this is much more vulgar to say in French than in English.

2. Va te faire foutre, trouduc!

Literal translation: Go yourself do fuck, asshole.
Practical Use: This is pretty much the same as ‘fuck off, asshole’ or ‘go fuck yourself.’ It’s very useful in many contexts, especially when someone is relentlessly bothering you.

3. Je m’en fou

Literal translation: I fuck myself some.
Practical use: Use it like you would use ‘I don’t give a fuck.’

4. Nique ta mere!

Literal translation: Fuck your mother.
Practical use: Use with extreme caution! This phrase is exceptionally vulgar and will definitely incite a reaction in the person you say it to.

5. Casse-toi!

Literal translation: Break yourself
Practical use: It essentially means ‘fuck off.’ It’s very rude to say, and I’d use it when a guy or girl is hitting on you in a bar and just won’t give up. The French president said this once to someone who refused to shake his hand, and it fired up a shit storm.

6. C’est des conneries

Literal translation: This is some fucking around.
Practical use: Use as you would say “This is bullshit!”, such as when someone screws you over.

7. Enculer une mouche

Literal translation: go fuck a fly
Practical use: Use this when you really want someone to leave you alone. You’re basically telling them to fuck off.

8. Sale pute

Literal translation: Dirty whore
Practical use: Say it if you want to start a girl fight.

9. je bande pour toi

Literal translation: I’m hard for you.
Practical use: You can say it if you’re trying to, er, woo a woman, but I’m guessing she won’t be too impressed, though.

10. lui carrer dans l’oignon

Literal translation: shove an onion in his/her ass.
Practical use: Use it as you would say ‘Shove it up your ass.’

What’s your favorite French slang or dirty phrase? Share your knowledge in the comments below!