30 Funny French Phrases That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud

The French language is often associated with romance, elegance, and sophistication. However, it also has a humorous side. It is also filled with quirky idioms and expressions that can tickle your funny bone.

Here, we have compiled a list of 30 funny French phrases that showcase the playful and quirky aspects of the language. Get ready to giggle as you discover the amusing world of funny French phrases.

30 funny French phrases

French idiomatic expressions not only reflect cultural nuances but also reveal a delightful sense of humor. From comparing short stature to three apples to describing a hangover as having a wooden mouth, each phrase adds color and character to everyday conversations.

No.	French Phrase	Literal Translation	Meaning
1	Avoir le cafard	To have the cockroach	To feel blue or depressed
2	Faire la grasse matinée	To have a fat morning	To sleep in
3	Raconter des salades	To tell salads	To tell lies or tall tales
4	Être haut comme trois pommes	To be as tall as three apples	To be very short
5	Avoir un chat dans la gorge	To have a cat in the throat	To have a frog in one’s throat
6	C’est la fin des haricots	It’s the end of the beans	It’s the end of the world
7	Avoir le cœur sur la main	To have the heart on the hand	To be generous
8	Mettre son grain de sel	To put in one’s grain of salt	To give an unsolicited opinion
9	Tomber dans les pommes	To fall into the apples	To faint
10	Avoir d’autres chats à fouetter	To have other cats to whip	To have other things to do
11	Avoir la frite	To have the French fry	To be in great shape or spirits
12	Chercher la petite bête	To look for the little beast	To nitpick
13	Faire l’andouille	To act like a sausage	To act silly
14	Être dans les choux	To be in the cabbages	To be in trouble
15	Poser un lapin	To put down a rabbit	To stand someone up
16	Se mettre sur son 31	To dress up to the nines	To dress up nicely
17	Avoir la gueule de bois	To have a wooden mouth	To have a hangover
18	Prendre la mouche	To take the fly	To get angry suddenly
19	Se vendre comme des petits pains	To sell like little breads	To sell like hotcakes
20	Avoir un poil dans la main	To have a hair in the hand	To be lazy
21	Être au taquet	To be at the batten	To be at the maximum of one’s abilities
22	Avoir un coup de foudre	To have a lightning strike	To fall in love at first sight
23	Faire des pieds et des mains	To do feet and hands	To go to great lengths
24	Jeter l’éponge	To throw the sponge	To throw in the towel
25	Manger sur le pouce	To eat on the thumb	To eat on the go
26	Être comme un poisson dans l’eau	To be like a fish in water	To be in one’s element
27	Ne pas être dans son assiette	To not be on one’s plate	To not feel oneself
28	Avoir la pêche	To have the peach	To be full of energy
29	Faire la tête	To make the head	To sulk
30	Rire comme une baleine	To laugh like a whale	To laugh loudly

Learning a new language is an interesting process. From advancing the vocabulary to mastering different grammar rules such as the French proverbs, nouns, verbs etc. the entire learning process is exciting and fruitful if you put in the hard work. You may encounter certain difficulties in learning French but consistency is the key to overcome them.

Tips for memorization

Memorizing these funny French phrases can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some tips to help you remember them effectively:

Visualize: Create mental images that connect the literal translation to the actual meaning of the phrase. For example, imagine someone fainting into a pile of apples for “Tomber dans les pommes.”

Associate: Associate each phrase with a personal experience or a funny story. This personal connection can make memorization easier and more enjoyable.

Use mnemonics: Create mnemonic devices or rhymes to remember the phrases. Mnemonics can be particularly helpful for retaining phrases that have more abstract meanings.

Practice: Regularly use the phrases in conversation or writing. Practice reinforces memory and helps you become more comfortable with using idiomatic expressions naturally.

Learn in context: Understand the cultural context behind each phrase. Knowing when and how to use them appropriately will deepen your understanding and aid in memorization.

Review regularly: Review the phrases periodically to reinforce your memory. Repetition is key to solidifying new vocabulary and expressions.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are French phrases often so humorous?

French idiomatic expressions often reflect the rich cultural history and playful nature of the French people. The humor can come from vivid imagery, wordplay, and cultural references that have evolved over time.

How can understanding funny French phrases improve my language skills?

Learning idiomatic expressions enhances your comprehension and fluency in French. It helps you understand native speakers better and allows you to express yourself more naturally and humorously.

Are these funny phrases used in everyday conversation in France?

Yes, many of these expressions are commonly used in everyday conversations. They add color and personality to the language, making interactions more engaging and entertaining.

Can I use these phrases in formal settings?

While some phrases are appropriate for informal and casual conversations, others might not be suitable for formal settings. It’s essential to understand the context and audience before using these expressions.

How do I pronounce these funny French phrases correctly?

To pronounce these phrases correctly, listening to native speakers is crucial. You can use language learning apps, watch French movies, or listen to French podcasts to hear how these expressions are used and pronounced in context.

Conclusion

Exploring funny French phrases not only adds humor to language learning but also provides insight into French culture and creativity. Whether you’re describing someone’s generosity or explaining a hangover, these expressions offer a unique window into the French language’s playful side.

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