French is known for its elegance and precision, but it also has a playful side with some truly quirky and unique words. These 30 words have meanings that can surprise and delight learners and native speakers alike.
From amusing expressions to intriguing terms, these words showcase the richness and diversity of the French language.
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How Many French Words Are There?
The French language is incredibly rich and diverse, with estimates suggesting there are around 100,000 to 120,000 words in the French lexicon. This includes a vast array of vocabulary covering everything from everyday terms to specialized jargon used in various fields.
While the exact number of French words is difficult to pinpoint due to the dynamic and evolving nature of the language, it is clear that French offers a wealth of expressive possibilities for speakers and writers alike.
My own love affair with the French language and France began in middle school. At that time, I would borrow books from the library to learn the language. As a former employee of the Librairie de France in New York City during the early 1990s, I have the opportunity to meet many people from France and other speaking countries. It was a great time, for I got to improve on my French and meet many interesting people.
I’d also attend weekly language exchange sessions at locals throughout the city. These clubs were founded by renowned radio host and linguist Barry Farber, and I had a great time speaking French with natives and Francophiles. Needless to say, my love for the French language has remained strong throughout my life, and even though I’ve never used these words in actual conversation, they’re great to know and can even impress a native. I’m happy to share them with you.
So let’s get started with these 30 weird French words along with their meanings and pronunciation.
1. Quinquagénaire
A person in their fifties.
2. Féérique
Relating to a fairy tale; enchanting, magical.
3. Fariboler
To talk without saying anything concrete; to chatter.
4. Frimousser
To make funny faces or facial expressions; to make antics.
5. Papouiller
To caress or stroke, especially with the hands.
6. Patachonner
To walk or move clumsily; to take uncoordinated steps.
7. Sauterelle
A grasshopper, known for its habit of jumping long distances.
8. Gribouillage
Scribble, doodle; messy or careless drawing.
9. Farfelu
Eccentric, whimsical, quirky.
10. Chafouin
Sly, crafty; someone with a misc
hievous look.
11. Saperlipopette
An exclamation of surprise or astonishment.
12. Cacochyme
Feeble, in poor health due to old age.
13. Jactance
Boasting, bragging.
14. Franchouillard
Someone embodying a typically French, provincial, or traditional lifestyle and demeanor, often with a charming or quaint quality.
15. Turlupin
Mischievous, tricky person; jester.
16. Gouape
Rough, uncouth person.
17. Ribouldingue
Ruckus, commotion; uproar.
18. Gueuleton
Feast, big meal.
19. Cocasse
Funny, amusing in an odd or quirky way.
20. Niaiserie
Silliness, foolishness.
21. Ratiociner
To reason, to argue logically.
22. Cagibi
Small, dark room or closet; cubbyhole.
Fussy, overly meticulous; someone who fusses over trivial details.
24. Bredouiller
To mumble, to stutter.
25. Époustouflant
Amazing, breathtaking, or mind-blowing; something that leaves you astonished.
26. Xyloglotte
A person who speaks an obscure language or dialect.
27. Querelle
A quarrel or dispute.
28. Quincaillerie
A hardware store; ironmongery.
29. Vachement
An intensifier similar to “really” or “very” in English, colloquially used in French.
30. Somptueux
Luxurious; magnificent; splendid.