By Ava Donnersbach
Slang is almost a language on its own and is common in American everyday life. However, have you ever thought of other people in other countries using slang in their everyday life as well? It certainly has never come across my mind….until recently that is. It is true, people in other countries use slang too. For instance, slang words and phrases are very common in the French language. Slang translates to “argot” in French, which means the jargon or slang of a particular group or class.
One common French slang is “avoir un succès boeuf.” This French slang means “to have great success.” Moreover, “se serrer les coudes” is a French slang. This phrase means “to stick together and help one another.” The French also have a similar saying to “as sick as a dog;” They say “malade comme un chien.” Have you never been able to think of what something is called, so instead you say “a thingumajig” instead? Similarly, the French have the same problem, so they say “un bidule” instead.
Another French slang that I find interesting is “faire des pieds et des mains pour faire quelque chose.” To Americans, this means “to move heaven and earth to do something.” Additionally, “crever de faim” is another French slang. This means “to be dying of hunger” in France. Have you ever heard the phrase “to be down in the dumps?” The French have a slang just like it; however, they say “avoir le cafard.”
Did you know sign language also uses slang? In French, the slang “Alors, là” translates to “I really don’t know.” To make this phrase in sign language you raise both of your hands towards your shoulder with your palms facing outwards. Then you raise your eyebrows and protrude your lip. “Au poil,” “Super,” and “Fantastique” are also French sign language slangs. These translate to “Great” or “terrific.” To make these in sign language you make the thumbs up sign with your right hand and samp down.
My favorite French slang is “Le coup-de foudre.” The literal translation of this phrase means “the bolt of lightening,” but the French meaning is “love at first sight.”
As one can see, slang words are just as common in the French language as well as in the American language.