How To Use Verlan To Categorical Slang Phrases in French Accurately

49

Studying French slang isn’t just for becoming in with the locals. It will probably additionally provide help to comprehend tv, music, promoting, and conversations in French tradition. One particular sort of slang well-liked in France is known as verlan. As you study to converse French, you’re more likely to come throughout a few of these well-liked phrases. On this information, we’ll present you ways this slang is fashioned and examples of among the hottest phrases in verlan French slang.

What’s verlan? 

This class of French slang consists of phrases with reversed sounds, letters, and syllables to type a special phrase with the identical or associated that means. Even the phrase verlan is an instance of this: It’s a reversal of the syllables of l’envers (backwards/the improper method). 

Listed below are some notable examples of verlan phrases that you could be acknowledge by reversing the syllables again to the unique order:

• jourbon = bonjour (good day) 
• tromé = métro (subway)
• céfran = français (French) 

Who speaks verlan French slang? 

It’s a fantasy that verlan is simply spoken by city youngsters or rappers, although which will have been the origin of sure phrases. Some verlan phrases are widespread sufficient that the majority anybody would perceive them. Different phrases have been well-liked amongst younger individuals within the Nineties when utilizing verlan signaled that you just have been a part of fashionable popular culture. The identical individuals should use these phrases as adults. A more recent era of younger individuals have redefined the trending verlan slang of immediately. 

Utilizing verlan has rather a lot to do with the context. Younger individuals who use some verlan slang with their shut pals will select customary vocabulary when the scenario requires extra respect. Some verlan slang is exclusive to particular teams and communities, reminiscent of hip-hop artists or first-generation French residents, although they drop the slang when talking with outsiders.

Verlan will not be typically used or understood exterior of European dialects of French, apart from the phrases which have turn into essentially the most broadly used and accepted, reminiscent of meuf (lady/woman). 

>>Hear for verlan in these French TV exhibits and flicks on Netflix! 

The roots of verlan

Years in the past, verlan was used as a option to talk in secret and obfuscate the that means of phrases. Verlan was generally used to speak about taboo matters and unlawful actions reminiscent of drug dealing or crime. Teenagers might have employed verlan as a option to protect their conversations from the listening ears of adults at dwelling or in school, even for extra harmless actions. Some communities have used verlan as part of their distinctive identities, or to insurgent towards the constraints of Customary French. 

How you can type verlan French slang

There aren’t any exhausting and quick guidelines with slang, because it tends to type organically and ignores the inflexible grammar guidelines of French’s customary language. You may’t simply swap the syllables of any phrase and anticipate to be understood, however you may discover patterns in generally used verlan French slang phrases.

Single syllable phrases typically have the consonants reversed with the primary sound on the finish. 

• ouf = fou (loopy) 
• teuf = fête (get together)
• meuf = femme (lady) 

In two syllable phrases, the sounds are flipped in order that the second syllable comes first. Typically a syllable is dropped.

• cimer = merci (thanks) 
• zarbi = weird (unusual) 
• la tof = la picture (picture) 

If a phrase has three or extra syllables, it’s typically not became verlan. You may strive it, however don’t anticipate to be understood. 

Verlan French slang is generally spoken, not written. The spelling of the phrase displays the brand new pronunciation. Typically sounds are dropped or modified barely. It comes right down to which of them are generally used and understood, so it’s finest to choose it up in context by way of informal dialog with pals as you study French. 

Are verlan slang phrases actual French phrases? 

It’s not taught in colleges, however sure, some verlan slang is accepted by a couple of dictionaries. You’ll discover meuf from femme (woman/lady), and keum from mec (man, boy) in “Le Robert” on-line dictionary, however you received’t discover vénère from énervé (irritated, upset) or reuf from frère (brother).

Whereas a phrase might by no means make it into the official dictionary of l’Académie Française (the definitive customary for the “correct” use of the language), that doesn’t imply the phrase isn’t broadly used and understood. Among the best sources for locating the that means of unfamiliar verlan French slang phrases is to ask a trusted French speaker or certainly one of our Rosetta Stone tutors. They may help you together with your comprehension of French idioms, too! 

Are the meanings the identical in verlan and customary French? 

Not essentially. Utilizing a verlan phrase reminiscent of cimer from merci (thanks) might convey a extra sarcastic tone. Calling somebody méchant in a single context implies that they’re imply or unkind, however in case you name them chanmé, the verlan type, it comes throughout as a praise just like “wonderful/cool/depraved.” Keep in mind, slang modifications the nuance and that means of phrases over time, so don’t take all verlan at face worth. 

Keum and different verlan nouns for individuals

Keum is definitely a type of double slang because it’s a verlan type of a slang phrase. The usual phrase for man is homme. The slang phrase mec is nearer to “man.” The verlan swap of the primary and second consonant sounds of mec makes keum, a preferred option to say “man.”

A few of these phrases are widespread however much less well mannered. If the scenario requires you to make use of vous as an alternative of tu, we suggest avoiding verlan French slang altogether, because it’s used solely in informal dialog. Keep away from phrases that reference the ethnicity or nationality of an individual, because it could possibly be deeply offensive. 

Zarbi and different verlan adjectives

Flip the syllables of weird (bizarre/unusual/uncommon) to get zarbi. It’s used to explain individuals or objects that one finds weird. Some verlan adjectives are used for dramatic impact and even to cover the that means of the usual phrase, speaking with these within the know. Lots of them are pejorative, so watch out when utilizing them! 

Laisse béton and different verlan verbs and phrases

The phrase laisser tomber means to drop one thing, both actually or figuratively, as in “to cease citing a subject.” In verlan, solely the ultimate phrase modifications, forming the phrase laisse béton ! Use it to say “overlook about it!” or “drop it!” 

Key takeaways 

• Verlan is a kind of slang utilized in French the place sounds and syllables are reversed to type a brand new slang phrase.
• Verlan is simply utilized in informal contexts reminiscent of speech or very casual writing.
• Generally used verlan phrases fluctuate between teams and over time.
• Understanding widespread verlan may help you comprehend music, tv, motion pictures, and popular culture. 
• Study verlan phrases in context from pals and trusted French audio system.