This is the French you’ve all been waiting for—aka how people actually speak on the streets of Paris. French Slang 101! I could make 100 parts to this series because there are so many hilarious, expressive ways to spice up your French with slang. But today, I’m sharing my absolute favorites after a year of living in Paris—the ones I hear daily and use constantly.

Taught to me by… you guessed it… Parisians! (Don’t tell them I’m sharing their secrets with you. 🤫)

As someone who lives for casual French convos, I throw these words around like confetti—but warning: Slang is like a VIP pass. Use it with the wrong crowd, and you’ll get the look. 😳

🔀 Verlan: The Secret Code of French Slang

Before we dive in, let’s talk about verlan—the linguistic flip that defines modern French slang. Born in the working-class suburbs of Paris in the 20th century, verlan (itself a flipped version of "l'envers", meaning "backwards") is more than just slang—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Originally used as a coded language among marginalized communities, it’s now a staple of casual French. Here’s how it works:

1. Take a word (e.g., "femme" → woman).

2. Split it in two ("fe-mme").

3. Flip it ("meuf").

Voilà! You’ve got verlan. It’s playful, rebellious, and so Parisian. Some words, like "ouf" (fou → crazy) and "cimer" (merci → thanks), have even entered everyday speech. Now you’re in on the secret!

🔥 My Top 7 French Slang Words (That’ll Make You Sound Like a Local)

1. Grave

Meaning: Seriously / For real / Totally
How to Use It:

• "Il fait super froid aujourd’hui." (It’s so cold today.)

• "Oh, grave." (Ugh, for real.)
  Pro Tip: Add a dramatic sigh for full Parisian effect.

2. Ouf

Meaning: Crazy / Insane (It’s verlan—French slang where words are flipped! "Fou" → "Ouf.")
How to Use It:

• Friend tells you a wild story? "Ouf, c’est ouf !" (Whoa, that’s insane!)
  Bonus: Pair with a hand-on-forehead gesture for extra flair.

3. Wesh

Meaning: Yo / What’s up? (Stolen from Arabic, used everywhere in Paris.)
How to Use It:

• Annoyed text: "Wesh, t’es sérieux ?" (Bruh, are you for real?)
  Caution: Best for friends—not your boss, not your professor, absolutely not your grandma.

4. Frérot

Meaning: Bro (short for frère = brother)
How to Use It:

• "Frérot, t’as pas compris." (Bro, you so didn’t get it.)
  Vibe: Use only with people you’d trust to bail you out of trouble.

5. Franchement

Meaning: Honestly / Frankly (But with drama.)
How to Use It:

• "Franchement, c’est trop bon." (Honestly, this is so good.)
  Pro Tip: Roll the "frrr" sound like a fancy French cat. 🐈

6. Cimer

Meaning: Thanks (More verlan—"merci" → "cimer".)
How to Use It:

• Friend buys you a coffee? "Cimer, frérot !" (Thanks, bro!)
  Note: Only for people you’d hug without hesitation.

7. Dinguerie

Meaning: Next-level crazy / Insane (Like "ouf" but times 10.)
How to Use It:

• Someone does something wild? "C’est une dinguerie !" (That’s insane!)
  Bonus: Works for both "That’s so cool!" and "That’s so messed up!"

🚨 Slang Danger Zone

These words are 100% casual—never use them with:

• Your boss

• Your grandma

• Kids

• Anyone who still calls you "vous"

But with friends? Abusez-en! (Go wild!)

💬 Your Turn!

1. Which slang word will you use first?

2. Got a favorite slang word I missed? Spill the tea below! ☕

À la prochaine,
Emilie (aka @oohlalangue) 💕

Subscribe now

Leave a comment

Let’s be real—grammar can feel like the big bad wolf of language learning. It’s intimidating, confusing, and sometimes downright frustrating. But here’s the thing: once you start breaking it down into bite-sized pieces, it becomes way less scary. And trust me, I’m speaking from experience.

So, grab your café (or thé, if that’s your vibe), and let’s tackle some basic French grammar rules, tips, and tricks together. I’ll also share a bit of my personal journey with French and why grammar is both my nemesis and my bestie. Ready? Allons-y!

Why Grammar Feels Like a Rollercoaster (for Me)

Fun fact: French is technically my first language. I grew up speaking it as a kid, but life happened, and I stopped practicing during my teen years and adulthood. Fast forward to now, and I’m basically relearning everything.

The weirdest part? Some things still come naturally to me. My brain just knows what to do, but I don’t always know why. And that’s the hardest part for me—understanding the rules behind what I’m saying.

It’s like when native English speakers can’t explain why we say “I am” instead of “I is.” We just know. But when you’re learning a language, you need to know the why. And that’s where grammar comes in.

So, let’s start with two basics that’ll make a huge difference: “il faut” and -er verb conjugations.

1. The Magic of “Il Faut”

“Il faut” is one of those phrases that’s everywhere in French, and once you understand it, you’ll start noticing it all the time. It basically means “it is necessary” or “you must” and is used to express obligation or necessity. Similar to the “Royal You” that we use in English, but a little more specific.

Here’s how it works:

• Il faut + infinitive verb:

  • Il faut étudier. (It’s necessary to study / You must study.)

  • Il faut manger. (It’s necessary to eat / You must eat.)

• Il faut + noun:

  • Il faut du courage. (It takes courage / You need courage.)

  • Il faut de la patience. (It takes patience / You need patience.)

Pro Tip: Think of “il faut” as your go-to phrase for giving advice or stating what’s needed. It’s simple, versatile, and super useful!

2. -Er Verb Conjugations: The Easiest Place to Start

If you’re going to learn one type of verb conjugation in French, make it -er verbs. They’re the most common and the easiest to conjugate. Here’s the basic formula:

1. Take the infinitive verb (e.g., parler = to speak).

2. Remove the -er ending (parl-).

3. Add the appropriate ending based on the subject:

SubjectEndingExample: Parler (to speak)

Je-e (Je parle)

Tu-es (Tu parles)

Il/Elle-e (Il/Elle parle)

Nous-ons (Nous parlons)

Vous-ez (Vous parlez)

Ils/Elles-ent (Ils/Elles parlent)

Examples:

• Je mange (I eat)

• Tu danses (You dance)

• Nous aimons (We love)

Why This Feels Natural to Me:
Even though I stopped practicing French for years, -er verb conjugations still feel intuitive to me. My brain just knows how to do it. But now, I’m forcing myself to understand the why behind it. And honestly? It’s making me appreciate the language even more.

3. Tips & Tricks for Tackling Grammar

Here are some simple strategies that have helped me wrap my head around French grammar:

1. Start Small: Focus on one concept at a time (like -er verbs or “il faut”). Don’t overwhelm yourself with everything at once.

2. Practice Out Loud: Say sentences out loud to get used to the sounds and structures.

3. Use Flashcards: Apps like Quizlet or Anki are great for memorizing verb conjugations and grammar rules.

4. Label Everything: Stick post-it notes around your house with grammar rules or examples. Seeing them daily helps reinforce what you’re learning.

5. Be Patient with Yourself: Grammar takes time to master, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small wins!

A Little Personal Reflection

Relearning French has been such a journey for me. On one hand, it’s frustrating to feel like I’m starting over. But on the other hand, it’s been so rewarding to reconnect with a language that’s such a big part of who I am.

And honestly? Grammar is the hardest part for me because it forces me to slow down and really think about what I’m saying. But that’s also what makes it so important. It’s the foundation of everything.

Your Turn!

What’s your relationship with grammar? Do you love it, hate it, or feel somewhere in between? Let me know in the comments! And if you have any grammar questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future posts, drop them below.

À bientôt,
Emilie (aka oohlalangue) 💕

Subscribe now

Leave a comment

P.S. Don’t forget to share your favorite French grammar tips or resources in the comments. Let’s learn together! 🥐✨

🎵 Music to Listen To: French Vibes Only

Music is one of the BEST ways to immerse yourself in the language. Here are some recommendations to get you started:

1. Angèle - Brol
   This album is a masterpiece! Angèle’s lyrics are poetic, catchy, and perfect for learning everyday French. Check out the full album on YouTube here.
   

   Pro tip: Follow along with the lyrics (just search “[song name] + paroles” on Google) to improve your reading and listening skills.

2. Popular French TikTok Songs

   • Djadja by Aya Nakamura (YouTube link)

   • Tout Oublier by Angèle & Roméo Elvis (YouTube link)

   • Balance Ton Quoi by Angèle (YouTube link)
     These songs are all over TikTok for a reason—they’re bops!

💡 Pro Tip for Learning with Music

• Lyrics are your best friend! Look up the lyrics (search “[song name] + paroles”) and try to sing along. It’s a fun way to improve your pronunciation and vocabulary.

• Use LingoLooper: Loop tricky parts of the song to practice until you’ve got it down.

Let me know which songs you’re vibing with! And if you have any other artists or songs you’d like me to include, drop them in the comments. 🎶

🎬 Movies & TV Shows to Watch: Learn While You Binge

Watching French movies and shows is a great way to pick up new vocabulary and get used to the rhythm of the language. To start off here are some shows and movies with either some French or an easily comprehensible level of French. Here are some faves:

1. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)
   Available on Netflix, this animated adaptation of the classic French novel is magnifique. It’s perfect for all levels and full of beautiful life lessons.

2. Emily in Paris
   Yes, it’s cheesy, but it’s also a fun way to hear French mixed with English. Plus, the Parisian scenery is très chic.

3. TroTro
   This adorable kids’ show is perfect for beginners. The episodes are short, the language is simple, and it’s super cute. Check it out on YouTube.

4. Call My Agent! (Dix Pour Cent)
   A hilarious French series about talent agents in Paris. It’s witty, fast-paced, and full of cultural references.

📱 Helpful Apps & Tools

Here’s what I use to level up my French:

1. LingoLooper
   This app is a GAME-CHANGER for listening comprehension. You can loop sections of videos (like songs, movie clips, or TikTok videos) to really focus on pronunciation and vocabulary. I use it to practice tricky phrases or songs I love.

2. Quizlet or Anki
   I create flashcards for new vocabulary I pick up from songs, shows, or conversations.

💡 Tips & Tricks from My French Journey

• Label your home: Stick post-it notes on objects around your house with their French names (e.g., la porte for door, la fenêtre for window).

• Practice out loud: Even if it’s just talking to yourself, speaking French daily helps build confidence, LingoLooper is GREAT for this.

• Join the conversation: Comment on French TikTok videos or Instagram posts to practice writing.

💬 What Do You Want to See More or Less Of?

This is YOUR study group, so let me know what you’d like to see in future posts! More music recommendations? Grammar tips? French slang? Let’s make this space as helpful and fun as possible.

À bientôt,
Emilie (aka oohlalangue) 💕

P.S. Don’t forget to share your favorite French songs, shows, or tips in the comments! Let’s learn together. 🥐✨

Leave a comment

I am so excited to introduce the brand new French Study Group! After seeing the insane response on my TikTok’s and all your comments about wanting to join a group I decided to bring it all together here!

Now, I’m not a teacher, the opposite in fact, I am learning right alongside all of you! But what I can offer is a space where we can all share what’s helping us, learn from each other, and grow together.

Here’s what I have in mind:

• Lessons I’m learning: I’ll be compiling all the tips, tricks, and advice I’m finding helpful in my own French journey.

• What you guys share: If you’ve found something that’s helped you with learning French, send it my way! I’d love to share it with the community for free.

• A place of support: Honestly, the kindness and encouragement I’ve gotten from all of you on TikTok has been amazing. I’m hoping to offer that same level of support back to everyone in this group!

Let me know here or on TikTok what you want to see if you have any advice, ideas, or questions!

I’m so excited to get started working on this for you and WITH you! <3

xoxo

Emilie aka oohlalangue

Subscribe now

Subscribe now