Do you often use slang words and expressions in your native language?
Slang is an essential part of every language.
It is also very useful to know slang words because that way not only you expand your vocabulary but also are closer to the whole culture and the way of life.
While we are talking about slang, in French, each of them has their own developed slang vocabulary depending on which French-speaking country you are visiting.
In Canada, for example, where both English and French are official languages, slang has developed a little differently than in France.
The mutual impact of both languages makes slang in Canada unique, especially for the Quebecois.
In Quebec, most speakers claim French to be their native language. There, however, English impact is obviously seen, especially in slang.
That's why Quebecois slang is unique in its own way.
So here, we've provided you with 22 Quebecois slang words and phrases that are mostly used so when you visit Canada or speak Canadian French, you can proudly use some of the expressions you read here.
And now, let's dive in.
22 Quebecois Slang Words And Phrases to Help You Speak French Like Native
Attache ta Tuque!
Literally, the phrase can be translated as 'attach your tuque,' but the English equivalent would be 'hold on tight.'
In case you aren't familiar with the word 'tuque,' it is a knitted hat we usually wear in winter.
Avoir l’Estomac Dans Les Talons
When you ‘have a stomach in your heels’ in Quebecois French, it means that ‘you are starving.’
Calice de Crisse!
Literally, the phrase means 'Chalice of Christ.'
Interestingly, it comes from Quebec’s religious roots, and can be used as 'damn it!'
C’est de Valeur!
Literally translated, the expression means ‘it’s of value’ but the phrase in French can be used in situations when something bad happens to someone, your friend’s, for example, and you say ‘c'est e valeur’ which can be translated as ‘what a pity!’
C’est le Fun!
We believe that you don't need a translation for this phrase because it is so obvious.
Here it is clearly seen the impact of both English and French on the whole language culture and slang, too, so that really 'c'est le fun!’
Chanter la Pomme
For those of you who already learn French, this isn't a mistake. And, yes, it can be translated as 'sing the apple.'
Well, the apple can't actually sing so it is used in the meaning 'to chat someone up.'
The phrase is often used in a sentence like this: ‘Je vais chanter la pomme avec ce gars’ (I’m going to chat up that guy.)
Domper Quelqu’un
Another phrase where you can understand the meaning without the translation. The verb 'domper' comes from 'dump' and the phrase is used in the meaning 'to dump someone.'
Être niaiseux/Être poche
To insult someone by using slang, the phrase ‘to be stupid’ can be used as ‘etre niaiseux’ or ‘etre poche.’
Fais-le au Plus Sacrant!
The verb in the phrase comes from the Quebecois ‘sacrer’ in the meaning ‘to slam,’ so literally translated, it means ‘do it the most slammingly.’
Of course, we don’t say when we want to do something quickly, so the proper English equivalent is ‘do it quickly.’
Ferme ta Gueule!
Besides learning some sweet and entertaining phrases, perhaps we can also mention the ‘bad’ ones. This phrase is considered particularly vulgar and it means ‘shut up!’
Franchement?
Literally, it means 'frankly' but it is used as the English 'really.'
Fin/ Fine
Unlike Standard French, the word fin/e is used as an adjective in Quebecois slang in the meaning ‘sweet’ or ‘nice.’
Depending on the noun the adjective is used with, the word ‘fin’ is used with masculine nouns, while the word ‘fine’ goes with feminine nouns.
J’ai la Langue à Terre
In Quebecois slang, when you say ‘j’ai la langue à terre’ it means ‘I have the tongue on the ground.’ To make it more clear, it is a saying for ‘I’m very hungry’ or ‘I’m very tired.’
J’ai Mon Voyage
When someone hears the word ‘voyage’ the first thing that comes to his mind is traveling to one of the French-speaking countries.
But here, it isn’t about the voyage at all. Well, maybe literally because it can be translated ‘I’ve done my trip’ but the phrase is used in the meaning ‘I’ve had enough.’
Saying this, you clearly show that you’ve done with the conversation.
Lache Pas la Patate
This saying is Quebecois slang and it literally means ‘don’t release the potato’ but it is used in the meaning ‘don’t give up!’
Le Chum/ La Blonde
The slang word ‘le chum’ is used in the meaning of 'boyfriend,’ and the word ‘la blonde’ in the meaning of ‘girlfriend.’
L’enterrement de Crapaud
Literally, it means ‘the burial of a toad’ but a more proper explanation of this idiom is to express when something is so awful.
Mets-en
This phrase is actually an interjection and can be used just like the English ‘totally’ or ‘for sure!
Osti!
This phrase is another equivalent of the phrase ‘damn it!’
From this word, the whole phrase was created, ‘un ostie d’innocent’ which means ‘an idiot.’
T’es Ben Chix
This expression can be understood in several ways.
Its meaning is ‘you’re hot’ but it is also one way people use it in informal speeches.
T’es comes from the ‘tu es’ and ‘ben’ comes from the word ‘bien’ in the meaning ‘well’ and ‘pretty,’ which is used in Quebecois this way.
Tu me Gosses
The verb ‘gosser’ comes from ‘to gossler’ and the meaning of the phrase literally means ‘you are gobbling me.’ However, the better and proper translation would be ‘you are annoying me.’
Virer Une Brosse
The phrase literally means ‘to throw away a brush’ but you don’t have to worry because no one will throw away anything.
This phrase is used in the meaning ‘to have a night out.’
Final Thoughts
What do you think?
Isn’t Quebecois slang le fun?
Or perhaps ‘fin?’
Quebecois slang is, undoubtedly, entertaining, and along with French slang words, Standard French, it can make you sound like a native that even French tutors will find hard to recognize.
If you're interested in learning more French, you should try some of these cool options:
Check out Babbel for fun, interactive lessons that fit into your day easily.
If you want something more in-depth, there's a great French course on Udemy that covers everything from the basics to more advanced topics.
And if you prefer learning with a personal touch, Lingoda offers classes with native speakers that can really help you practice speaking.
What are the most common Quebecois slang words and phrases?
Attache ta Tuque!, Avoir l’Estomac Dans Les Talons, C’est de Valeur!, C’est le Fun!, Chanter la Pomme, Domper Quelqu’un, Être niaiseux/Être poche
