How To Use Verlan To Express Slang Words in French Correctly

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Learning French slang is not just for fitting in with the locals. It can also help you comprehend television, music, advertising, and conversations in French culture. One specific kind of slang popular in France is called verlan. As you learn to speak French, you’re likely to come across some of these popular words. In this guide, we’ll show you how this slang is formed and examples of some of the most popular words in verlan French slang.

What is verlan? 

This category of French slang consists of words with reversed sounds, letters, and syllables to form a different word with the same or related meaning. Even the word verlan is an example of this: It’s a reversal of the syllables of l’envers (backwards/the wrong way). 

Here are some notable examples of verlan words that you may recognize by reversing the syllables back to the original order:

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

Who speaks verlan French slang? 

It’s a myth that verlan is only spoken by urban teenagers or rappers, though that may have been the origin of certain words. Some verlan words are common enough that most anyone would understand them. Other words were popular among young people in the 1990s when using verlan signaled that you were part of trendy pop culture. The same people may still use these words as adults. A newer generation of young people have redefined the trending verlan slang of today. 

Using verlan has a lot to do with the context. Young people who use some verlan slang with their close friends will choose standard vocabulary when the situation requires more respect. Some verlan slang is unique to specific groups and communities, such as hip-hop artists or first-generation French citizens, though they drop the slang when speaking with outsiders.

Verlan is not often used or understood outside of European dialects of French, except for the words that have become the most widely used and accepted, such as meuf (woman/girl). 

>>Listen for verlan in these French TV shows and movies on Netflix! 

The roots of verlan

Years ago, verlan was used as a way to communicate in secret and obfuscate the meaning of words. Verlan was sometimes used to talk about taboo topics and illegal activities such as drug dealing or crime. Teens may have employed verlan as a way to shield their conversations from the listening ears of adults at home or at school, even for more innocent activities. Some communities have used verlan as a part of their unique identities, or to rebel against the constraints of Standard French. 

How to form verlan French slang

There are no hard and fast rules with slang, as it tends to form organically and ignores the rigid grammar rules of French’s standard language. You can’t just swap the syllables of any word and expect to be understood, but you can notice patterns in commonly used verlan French slang words.

Single syllable words generally have the consonants reversed with the first sound at the end. 

• ouf = fou (crazy) 
• teuf = fête (party)
• meuf = femme (woman) 

In two syllable words, the sounds are flipped so that the second syllable comes first. Sometimes a syllable is dropped.

• cimer = merci (thank you) 
• zarbi = bizarre (strange) 
• la tof = la photo (photo) 

If a word has three or more syllables, it’s generally not turned into verlan. You can try it, but don’t expect to be understood. 

Verlan French slang is mostly spoken, not written. The spelling of the word reflects the new pronunciation. Sometimes sounds are dropped or changed slightly. It comes down to which ones are commonly used and understood, so it’s best to pick it up in context through casual conversation with friends as you learn French. 

Are verlan slang words real French words? 

It’s not taught in schools, but yes, some verlan slang is accepted by a few dictionaries. You’ll find meuf from femme (girl/woman), and keum from mec (guy, boy) in “Le Robert” online dictionary, but you won’t find vénère from énervé (irritated, upset) or reuf from frère (brother).

While a word may never make it into the official dictionary of l’Académie Française (the definitive standard for the “proper” use of the language), that doesn’t mean the word isn’t widely used and understood. One of the best sources for discovering the meaning of unfamiliar verlan French slang words is to ask a trusted French speaker or one of our Rosetta Stone tutors. They can help you with your comprehension of French idioms, too! 

Are the meanings the same in verlan and standard French? 

Not necessarily. Using a verlan word such as cimer from merci (thanks) may convey a more sarcastic tone. Calling someone méchant in one context means that they are mean or unkind, but if you call them chanmé, the verlan form, it comes across as a compliment similar to “amazing/cool/wicked.” Remember, slang changes the nuance and meaning of words over time, so don’t take all verlan at face value. 

Keum and other verlan nouns for people

Keum is actually a sort of double slang since it’s a verlan form of a slang word. The standard word for man is homme. The slang word mec is closer to “guy.” The verlan switch of the first and second consonant sounds of mec makes keum, a popular way to say “guy.”

Some of these terms are common but less polite. If the situation requires you to use vous instead of tu, we recommend avoiding verlan French slang altogether, as it’s used only in casual conversation. Avoid terms that reference the ethnicity or nationality of a person, as it could be deeply offensive. 

Zarbi and other verlan adjectives

Flip the syllables of bizarre (weird/strange/unusual) to get zarbi. It’s used to describe people or objects that one finds bizarre. Some verlan adjectives are used for dramatic effect or even to hide the meaning of the standard word, communicating with those in the know. Many of them are pejorative, so be careful when using them! 

Laisse béton and other verlan verbs and phrases

The phrase laisser tomber means to drop something, either literally or figuratively, as in “to stop bringing up a topic.” In verlan, only the final word changes, forming the phrase laisse béton ! Use it to say “forget about it!” or “drop it!” 

Key takeaways 

• Verlan is a type of slang used in French where sounds and syllables are reversed to form a new slang word.
• Verlan is only used in casual contexts such as speech or very informal writing.
• Commonly used verlan words vary between groups and over time.
• Understanding common verlan can help you comprehend music, television, movies, and pop culture. 
• Learn verlan words in context from friends and trusted French speakers.