How to swear in French

[Deleted]

Here is the important information.

Yes, there are some spelling mistakes in the French.

[lagatta]

It is very cute but I don't understand why the writter didn't check the spelling.

Kerouac informed me that "nique ta mère" has passed out of fashion somewhat, from overuse. That is about the only one of those terms we wouldn't really use in Québec (yes, we have the church-object based swearing - tabernac etc. - but normal swearing as well).

It is very important for language learners to refrain from overuse of swear words until you become really fluent as it can sound stupid.

The Sarkozy video was hilarious - remember getting sent that clip by several people the day it came out.

[Deleted]

It is absolutely true that elaborate swear words and even ordinary slang should be avoided until one has just about mastered a language. Of course, blurting out a simple little "merde" from time to time sounds cute even if you can barely speak the language.

[hwinpp]

Yes, French has some very descriptive and detailed insults. I wouldn't dare use them for fear somebody asks me to translate to English. Even I would blush...

[lola]

Thanks, Kerouac. Something else to forward to my delicately nurtured daughter.

Calvin Trillin wrote that it's essential when cussing someone out abroad to do it in one's own language, and so avoid being unintentionally funny.

[cristina]

Since I posted elsewhere about my joy in learning a new swear phrase in French, I thought it important to provide an update here.

First, I'm with Calvin Trillin (thanks Lola!) re: swearing in your native language. I only swear in French amongst my closest native French speaking friends and generally only for their amusement. ;D

Truthfully, I try to avoid swearing in front of strangers.

I swear.

[Deleted]

Was your new swear word mentioned in the link?

[cristina]

The specific phrase that I learned wasn't cited in the link, but is made up of two words that were listed.

The effective (or non-literal) translation is not a phrase that I would be inclined to use in English, to be honest. (At least I would have to be screaming mad to use it.) Although I more than likely did utter the equivalent in my younger days.