informalities

Informal French

Français familier

This index includes a variety of French words, expressions, pronunciations, and grammatical and structures reserved for informal communication.

For an explanation of the difference between informal, familiar, and slang see What is register?

Louper (informal) – to miss; to mess up; to flunk (a test)

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb louper.

  conjugation tables • informalities 

Expressions

Ma foi

Should you learn about the French expression ma foi? Well, yes.

  fillers • French in English • informalities 

Expressions

Manger le morceau

Learn how to spill the beans with the French idiom manger le morceau.

  informalities 

Mégoter (informal) – to skimp

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb mégoter.

  conjugation tables • informalities 

Expressions

Merde

The vulgar French word merde means more than meets the eye. Marion Cotillard explains why to Stephen Colbert.

  exclamations • informalities 

Expressions

Métro, boulot, dodo

Take a break from the rat race as you learn about the idiomatic French expression métro, boulot, dodo.

  informalities 

Expressions

Mettre Expressions

The French verb mettre, "to put," is found in many idiomatic expressions, including to update, emphasize, and set straight. Learn these and dozens of other French expressions featuring mettre.

  informalities 

Expressions

Mettre le doigt

This lesson will help you put your finger on several French expressions featuring the phrase mettre le doigt.

  informalities • proverbs 

Expressions

Mettre les pieds dans le plat

Learn the French idiom mettre les pieds dans le plat so that you don't put your feet anywhere they don't belong.

  informalities 

Expressions

Mettre sa langue dans sa poche

You don't have to say anything, but you should read this lesson on the French idiom mettre sa langue dans sa poche.

  informalities 

Expressions

Mettre son grain de sel

Use the informal French expression mettre son grain de sel to stick your nose where it doesn't belong.

  informalities 

Mijoter – to simmer; to cook with care; (inf) to cook up, plot, scheme

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb mijoter.

  conjugation tables • informalities 

Miser – to bet, stake, ante; (informal) to count / bank on

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb miser.

  conjugation tables • informalities 

Expressions

Mon petit doigt m’a dit

A little birdie told me you should read this lesson on the French idiom mon petit doigt m'a dit.

  informalities 

Expressions

Money Expressions

Expressions related to money are worth their weight in gold. Learn how to say money doesn't grow on trees, make a living, be stingy, and dozens of other French expressions and proverbs related to money.

  informalities