Comments on: Translating French Swear Words

By: marie

marie — Thu, 27 May 2010 09:20:49 +0000

Maybe not current, but still clear. The most common slang word for testicles is probably “burnes”.
Who will ever consider me as a Lady if I keep answering this sort of questions ?

By: Paul C

Paul C — Wed, 26 May 2010 21:20:46 +0000

What is the status in France of the word “les valseuses”. which was the title of a 1974 film about the adventures of two chumps with more energy than brains.

I heard the phrase translated as “testicles”, in the English sense of “nuts”, “bollocks”, “balls” or “goolies”. Is it still current?

By: marie

marie — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:08:01 +0000

ta gueule is a quite offensive version of the english “shut up” : ie closer to shut up bastard than to shut up please -).

By: craig

craig — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:02:03 +0000

Well this evening I called someones’ response idiotic, & was replied with “ta gueull”. That’s very new to me & I can’t seem to find a translation.
I’m sure it’s nothing pleasant though.

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:41:13 +0000

Marie – your precision is indefatigable. I came across Punaise in Strasbourg – so East, as you say. The kids there (my kids) use it all the time, but I defer to you on the rest of France. Must stop generalising. Bedbugs!