Talk Dirty French: Beyond Merde: the Curses, Slang, and Street Lingo You Need to Know When You Speak Francais

by Alexis Munier

Let's be sérieux!

Can't quite come up with the right French quip or four-letter word? With Talk French , you'll be able to put your (middle) finger on it. Each entry provides an individual foreign gem, a useful French sentence employing the word, the expression's English counterpart, and its literal translation.

Whether you're a native-speaker, world traveler, or just looking to tell off those brash Parisians, these naughty words and risqué slang will surely give your tongue a French twist.

Les the balls

French Je l'ai avertie-elle ne m'a pas écoute alors maintenant je m'en bats les couilles.

I warned her--she didn't listen to me so now I'm washing my hands of it.

Literal I warned her--she didn't listen to me so now I'm flapping my balls of it.

Genres: Language, Reference, France

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Nancy]

Provides what my French classes don't! Not just dirty words, but slang as well, which is handy to know.

[Lea]

Maybe 10 years ago, when this bouquin was published it was more acceptable to be misogynistic, but since I am reading it now, I will say this is seriously wrong. If one wants to argue that dirty French comes with its share of misogyny, you can still choose examples of sentences which won’t make one’s hair stand on end. I’d argue it should be a responsible thing to do. Also, the hypocrisy of not giving an English translation (xxx too dirty to translate) for the same phrase already given in French is beyond comprehension. Too dirty to translate?!

[Marlene Lacounte]

A fantastic look at current French slang - of course, some xxx rated but mostly just important slang. Par example: casser la pipe which translates to "kick the bucket" or Quelle vinasse! What lousy wine!

[Kirsten]

This book will probably stay on my currently-reading shelf indefinitely as it is more of a reference/read a little bit here and there kind of book.

[Bree Hodges]

Funny and informative