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STREET FRENCH 1
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STREET FRENCH 1
The Best o f French Slang
D aW d B u rk e
Reproduction or translation o f any part o f this w ork beyond that perm itted
by section 107 or 108 o f the 1976 United States Copyright A a without the
permission o f the copyright ow ner is unlawful. Requests for permission or
further inform ation should be addressed to the Permission Department,
John W iley & Sons.
M y special thanks to Jerri Simon Borack, v^^ose inspiration was the catalyst
for m y interest in pursuing the French language; m y fam ily and friends in
France fo r their unyielding help and patience in spending hours at a tim e goin g
o v er the latest slang w ords and expressions w ith m e: M in i, Patrice. Carole,
Christophe, Régis, N élie, G Serge; Pascale Ledeu r and Mark M aisonneuve for
ail their help, support, and counsel.
I am especially grateful to Susan Pearlm an, \\1io had the greatest influence on
m e and the conception o f this book. H er unflagging enthusiasm fo r the French
culture was overw h elm ingly contagious and she remains responsible for
instilling in m e a lo ve and fascination fo r the French language and its traditions.
1ow e an enorm ous debt o f gratitude to Dr. Ralph Baccash for all his hard w ork
and significant contribution to this book. His insight into the real French
language was indispensable. 1 fe el extrem ely fortunate fo r having the
opportunity to w ork with him and especially thankful for his w onderful
friendship.
1 consider m yself so very lucky to have had the opportunity o f w orking with
PJ Dem psey, m y editor at John W iley & Sons. She m ade every step fun and
exciting. H er constant inspiration, encouragem ent, and dedication to
perfection was extraordinary. She has m y deepest appreciation and lots o f
hugs!
Finally, I want to thank m y fam ily. Th e patience, love, and unrelenting support
from m y m other, Nancy, and from Tom was the driving fo rce behind this book.
CONTENTS
Introduction................................................xi
L e g e n d .................................................... xu
Lesson 1
D ia lo g u e .................................................... 2
V o c a b u la r y .............................................. 5
A CLOSER LOOK I:
Contractions................................. 13
A C L 0 8 E R L 0 0 K 11:
More Common Contractions 17
Lesson Z
D ia lo g u e .................................................. 24
V o c a b u la r y ............................................ 27
A. I n v e r s i o f i and e s t - c e q u e forms 37
Lesson 3
Dialogue ................................................ 44
V o c a b u la r y ............................................. 47
Practice the V o c a b u la r y ........................56
A CLOSER LOOK:
On a n q u e The Strueture of a Sentence . . 59
Ma Téloche! A. Subject follow ed by
(Someone swiped my television!) a personal p r o n o u n ...........................59
B. Subject/object at the
end o f a s e n t e n c e .............................. 59
C. Interrogative terms
at the end o f a p h r a s e ........................59
Lesson 4
Dialogue ................................................ 66
V o c a b u la r y ............................................. 69
A C L08E R L00K :
Words That Add Emphasis . . . 80
La Joie
d’Être Bouchon A. c e t t e = c ’ t e
ce = c’
(The joy of being the youngest)
c c t = c V .......................................... 80
B. u n p e u ............................................. 80
C. t i o i i ................................................... 81
D. d o n e ................................................ 82
E. a l o r s ................................................ 82
Lesson S SI
Dialogue ................................................ 88
V o c a b u la r y ............................................. 91
Practice the V o c a b u la r y ....................... 99
Lesson 6
Dialogue................................................112
Vocabulary ...........................................115
Le Chouchou Practice the V o c a b u la ry ........................ 125
du P rof
A C LO SER LOOK:
(The teacher’s pet)
Colloquial Use o f Proscnt
Tenso to Ifu llcate Futuro . . . 128
Lesson 7
D ia lo g u e ................................................. 132
Vocabulary ...........................................135
A C L08E R L00K :
La V ie de Cossard Further Use of
(The life of a lazy bum) Persanai Pronouns ..................... 147
Lesson 8
D ia lo g u e .................................................154
Vocabulary ...........................................157
Practice the V o c a b u la ry ........................ 164
A CLOSER LOOK:
The Many CoUoquiat
Dans le Zinc Vsesof^Bon**................................. 167
(In the airplane)
A. T o begin a conversation or
wrap up a t h o u g h t ........................... 167
Lesson 9
Dialogue ............................................... 172
V o c a b u la r y ............................................175
Practice the V o c a b u la r y ...................... 181
A CLOSER LOOK:
Un Coup de F il The Interleetive Use of
(A telephone call) The Relative and Interrogative
Pronoun **quoi**............................ 185
A. “Q uoi” used euphemistically ... 185
B. “Q uoi” used to indicate emotion . 185
C. “Q uoi” used to indicate impatience 185
Lesson 10
Dialogue ...............................................190
V o c a b u la r y ............................................193
Practice the V o c a b u la r y ...................... 198
A CLOSER LOOK 1:
The Omission of
the Possessive Adfeetive ... 201
A. In an imperative or command . . 201
B. In a s ta te m e n t.................................. 202
J*ai la Crève! C. In the past tense (passé com posé) 203
(I'm sick!) D. In the past tense using
pronominal v e r b s ............................203
APPEN D IX (D ictations)
GLOSSARY
INTRODUCTION
STREET FRENCH 1 has been updated with lots o f n ew infotm ation to help
you learn popular French slang. This entertaining guide, geared fo r the student
\n^o has had three or m ore years o f French study, is a step-by-step approach
to teaching the actual spoken language o f France that is constantly used in
m ovies, books, and day-to-day business, as w ell as am ong fam ily and friends.
N ow you can learn quickly the secret w orld o f slang as you are introduced to
the “inside” language that even a ten-year veteran o f form alized French w ould
not understand!
■ DIALOGUE
In this section, 20-30 slang w ords and expressions (shown in boldface)
are presented in a French dialogue on the left-hand page. A trctnslation
o f the dialogue appears on the opposite page. O n the follow in g page,
the original French slang dialogue is presented again, this tim e using
com m on contractions and reductions to give you an idea o f h ow it m ay
actually be heard in a conversation. This page is essential to anyone
learning French since the natives rely heavily on contractions,
reductions, and other shortcuts in pronunciation.
■ VOCARULART
This section spotlights all o f the slang term s that w ere used in the
dialogue and offers:
1. A n exam ple o f usage fo r each entry.
2. Another look at the exam ple, this tim e w ritten as it m ay actuaify
be spoken by a native speaker. H ere you w ill encounter tw o
symbols:
(1 )____ an underline indicating:
a. w here a contraction/reduction w ould b e com m only m ade
w hen spoken; or
3dl INTRODUCTION
GRAMMAR SECTION
This section introduces unconventional “rules” regarding the usage o f
slang and colloquialism s in a clear, concise, and easy-to- understand
style.
EXERCISES
Helpful drills are presented in this section to help test you on the
previous G RAM M AR portion. ’The last G RAM M AR exercise o f each
chapter w ill include slang w ords and expressions from the preceding
dialogue as a final review before continuing to the next chapter.
INTRODUCTION adU
■ REVIEW
Follow ing each sequence o f five chapters is a summary review
encom passing all the w ords and expressions learned up to that point.
The secret to learning STREET FRENCH is by follow in g this sim ple check
list:
■ Make sure that you have a good grasp on each section before proceeding
to the drills. If you’v e m ade m ore than tw o errors in a particular drill, simply
go back and review...then try again! Remember: This is a self-paced book, so
take your time. You’re not fighting the dock!
■ It’s very important that you feel com fortable with each chapter before
proceeding to the next. W ords learned along the w ay m ay crop up in the
follow ing dialogues. So feel com fortable before m oving on!
■ Make sure that you read the dialogues and drills aloud. 'This is an excellent
w ay to becom e com fonable y a k in g colloquially and begin thinking like a
native.
Just as a student o f form alized English w ould b e rather shocked to run into
w ords like pooped, zonked, and wiped out, and discover that they all g o under
the heading o f “tired,” you too w ill b e surprised and amused to encounter a
vd iole n ew array o f terms and phrases usually hidden aw ay in the French
language and reserved only fo r the native speaker.
Il Flotte Encore!
(It’s raining again!)
(A Typical Picnic)
Leçon Un
D ialogue in slang
ii Ftotte Encore!
Carole: W hat a feast this is gonna be! N o w let's take off to find a
quiet place and pig out.
Alain: I've really had It! In the summer, we fry and in w inter w e
freeze.
Y Flotte Encore!
V o cabid aiy
b o u f f i e f. food, “grub.”
2. U est tranquille, ¿ « r fu - là .
c m n C P U. to bum .
example (1): Je crame dans cette chaleur,
as spoken: ¡Tcrame dans ç^te chaleur,
translation: I’m burning up in this heat.
example (2): J’ai cramé le dîner,
as spoken: J’ai cramé Tdîner.
translation: I burned the dinner.
STREET FRENCH It THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG
translation: Oh, this dam com puter isn’t w orking any m ore!
■jttxM M nii un(e) de ces is com m only used to m ean “on e heck o f a..."
For exam ple: Elle m 'a raconté une de ces histoires!; She
told m e one heck o f a story!
g u i g n e f. bad luck.
example J’ai la guigne.
as spoken [n o change].
SYNO NYM I ras le bol <en avoir) exp. Git); to have had it up to
the rim o f the bowd.
m iB B T FRENCH l: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG
p é b r o c m. umbrella.
example N ’oublie pas ton pélwoc. Je pense qu ’il va pleuvoir.
as spoken ~ oublie pas ton pébroc. Jípense qu ’y va pleuvoir.
translation D on't forget your mnlwella. I think it’s going to rain.
SYNO NYM (2 ): p é p i n m.
: f. scolding, thrashing.
10 IL FLOTTE ENCORE!
B. cram e
2. Qu’il fait chaud! Je (b rû le ).
gueuleton ce
EH 5. I can’t b elieve it.
E. O n a fait un
soir!
A CLOSER LOOK I:
Contractions
A . The omission o f
In certain cases, the letter “e ” is com m only dropped from a w ord in order
to m ake it easier to pronounce. This omission only takes place w hen the
“e" (o r e caduc, as it is called) is preceded and follow ed by one
pronounced consonant. F or exam ple:
samedi = samW
devenir = d w * id r
J ^ te u o is = «Ttevois
H ow ever, it is im portant to note that in som e cases the e caduc must not
be om itted. If dropping the c caduc means that three consonants w ill
appear on e after the other, then you have just com m itted the ultimate
phonetic faux pas by breaking the “règle des trois consonnes" (rule o f three
consonants). For exam ple, if the e caduc w ere dropped in the w ord
v m d r e d r i , creating v e n d r W , it w ould be extrem ely difficult to
pronounce and unpleasant to the French ear.
B elow are som e com m only heard contractions. Make sure to learn this
section thoroughly before going on to the follow in g chapters!
|e = r ee s c’
Je veux aller en vancances. Tu com prends ce qu’il dit?
Jlveux aller en vacances. Tu comprends ¿ q u ’il dit?
de s d*
Tu m e fais rire. Elle a décid é de partir.
Tu m ’fais rire. Elle a décidé (^partir.
IL FLOTTE ENCORE!
te s t* ie = r
Tu vas te coucher maintenant? Elles vont le faire plus tard.
Tu vas Ccoucher maintenant? Elles vont Lfaire plus tard.
se B s* que s qu’
Jean se m et en colère facilem ent. n faut que tu partes.
Jean slmet en colère facilement. Il faut q u ’tu partes.
NOTE (3 ): W hen I’, €*, m*. d’, f , 1*. or s* is follow ed by the same letter, the
sound o f that letter is simply held a little longer:
C. The omissioii o f in
The letter “ u ” in **ta” may frequently be muted v ^ e n followed by a vowel:
tu e s= ¿es Ù (t’esp a s)
tn annonces = ¿annonces Ô (t’annonces pas)
tu ouvres = ¿ouvres O (t’ouvres pas)
tu invites = ¿invites Ù (t’invites pas)
As seen so far in this section, the French com m only make reductions and
contractions in their speech. The omission o f “re” is also very common.
For example: w ^en the “re” ending is follow ed by a consonant, it is not
easy to articulate quickly even for the native speaker o f French. For this
reason, the “re” sound is very often omitted entirely:
1. (T u a s ). . faim?
. c ’est un
2. .il y a
3. . celui-là
4. . il faut
. il est
6. . quelque chose
7. . il parle
. qui est
9. . il y avait
3. C ’e s t u n . . ñlm génial.
8. J en *a l . pas d e . .fric.
DICTATION
Test Your Aural Comprehension.
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 234)
If you are following along with your cassette, you will n ow hear a paragraph
containing many o f the terms from this section. The paragraph will be read at
normal conversational speed (which may actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the words will be pronounced as you would actually hear them in a
conversation, including many com m on reductions.
The first time the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustomed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. The paragraph will then
be read again with a pause after each group o f w ords to give you time to write
down what you heard. The third time the paragraph is read, follow along with
what you have written.
f K C Ô W r o U X
Q uel B o u i’ B o u ii
(What a dive!)
(Au Restaurant)
as
Dialogue in slang
Qüel Boui-Boui!
Régis. J espère que ce n ’est pas un boui-boui com m e celui d ’hier soir.
Il était cradinguo celui-là!
Régis: Oui, c ’est vrai. Mais, je com m ence à avoir les crocs, moi. Je vais
<ue goinfrer ce soir.
24
Leçon Deux
Translation in English
Régis: I hope this isn’t a dive like the one last night. It was
fllfhjr!
Nélie: D on’t worry. This r e s t a u r a n t is the best. Look h o w spotless
it is!
Régis: Yeah, that’s true. I’m getting kind o f hungry. I’m gonna pork
out tonight.
Régis: Did you see these prices? T w o hundred francs for ordinary
red udne? The food at this restaurant must be expensive!
Nélie: But the waiter could always g ^ v e you some coffee, if you prefer.
W hat happened to our waiter anyway?
Quel Boui-Raui!
Régis: J’espère qu’c ’est pas un boid*boui com m e celui d ’hier soir.
L ’était cradingue c ’ui-Ià!
Régis: Oui, c ’est vrai. Mais ¡’com m ence à avoir les crocs, moi. J’vais
m’gointrer ce soir.
V ocabu lary
a p é r o m. cocktail, apéritif.
example: Je prends toujours l’a p é r o avant le dîner,
cradingueadj.filthy.
example: La maison de Robert est toujours
----------------
SYNONYM: •> u.
p o o l e r V. to drink alcohol.
p o i v r o t m. drunkard.
r c s t o m. abbreviation o f “restaurant.”
example: Ce recto coûte trop cher,
as spoken: Çrecto, y coûte trop cher,
translation: This rectauraut is too expensive.
This abbreviation got its name from Coluche, the late,
popular comedian w ho launched a chain o f low-priced
eateries for the destitute. These restaurants w ere called
“les restas du cœur."
CROSSWORD
F ill in the crossword puzzle on the opposite
page by choosing from the iist beiow.
APERO CROCS PICOLER
balle FILER POINTER
BOUI FUSIL POIVROT
BOUSTIFAILLE GOINFRER RÉGALER
BROUILLE GUINDAL
CRAOINGUE NICKEL
ACROSS
9. m. drunkard.
DOWN
7. boui-_ . m. bad restaurant, a dive or “greasy spoon.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
QUEL BOUI-BOUI!
A CLOSER LOOK:
The Struetêire of a фижиоп
Example:
you’re going to Europe next шеек?
'This construction is even m ore important w hen using slang. If one w ere
to use slang terms in a sentence that was constructed and articulated
academically, it would sound unnatural:
Example:
D o you think she is going to be so ticked off at him that she
will freak out in front o f the whole class?
Example:
Yd think she’s gonna be so ticked offad'em she's gonna freak
oud’ in fronna the whole class?
que** forai:
Est-ce que tu veux déjeuner chez moi?
In terrogative
Exam ples
Term s
Combien pèses-tu? =
combien
Combien tu pèses?
(how much)
(H o w much do you weigh?)
Comment vas-tu? =
comment
Comment tu vas?
(how )
(H o w are you?)
Où vas-tu maintenant? =
Où tu uas maintenant?
(W here are you going now?)
où
Note: This also applies to d*où:
(where)
D ’où viens-tu? =
D 'où tu viens?
(W here do you com e from?)
STREET FRENCH l: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 3«
In terro gative
Exam ples
Term s
Pourquoi as-tu acheté ça? =
pourquoi
Pourquoi t’as acheté ça?
(why)
(W hy did you buy that?)
7. D ’où vient-il?
9. Désires-tu m ’accompagner?
2. È regarde le poivrot.
(q u i)________________
3. J ’veux un apéro.
(q u o i)___________
DICTATION
Test Your Aural Comprehension.
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 235)
If you are following along with your cassette, you will n o w hear a paragraph
containing many o f the terms from this section. The paragraph will be read at
normal conversational speed (which may actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the words will b e pronounced as you w ould actually hear them in a
conversation, including many com m on reductions.
'The first time the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustomed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. The paragraph will then
be read again with a pause after each group o f w ords to give you time to write
dow n what you heard. The third time the paragraph is read, follow along with
v ^ a t you have written.
a c ó w ïratois
On a P iq u é Ma T é t o e h e !
43
Leçon Trois
Dialogue in slang
On a Piqué M a Tétoeheî
Jean: C’était un
Marc: Alors, après qu’on m ’a cuM né pendant toute une heure, je n’ai
pas pu m e rendormir.
Jean: W as it a burglar?
Marc: Exactly. Since he couldn’t get in through the door, he busted
the window. W hat a mess!
Jean: W h a t an adventure
Leçon Trois
Dialogue in slang as it would be spoken
On a Piqué M a TéÎoeHeî
Marc: Tu parles! Hier soir, j’étais dans mon fdumard quand j’ai entendu
un mec qui a*l»aladait à l’extérieur d ’Ia iNwaque à côté d ’chez moi.
Jean: C’était un
Marc: Oui, mais l’m ec y s*est carapatë. J ’suppose qu’y s’est planqué
quèque part.
Marc: Alors, après qu’on m ’a cuM ué pendant toute une heure, j’ai pas
pu m ’rendormir.
V ocabu lary
agrafer u. to arrest.
NO TE (1 ): iNdadef. stroll.
NO TE (Z ): baladeur m. Walkman.
ON A PIQUÉ MA TÉLOCHE!
translation: The television doesn’t w ork anym ore! You broke it!
translation: I’m always the one vt^o gets blamed for everything!
V. to enter.
example; La prochaine fois que tu encarres dans ma cham bre
sans permission, je te casse la gueule!
S o u r r e r V. to cram, to stick.
example: J’ai passé une heure au superm arché parce qu’il y avait
un m onde fou! Puis ça m ’a pris deux heures pour rentrer
à cause d ’un accident sur la route. Q u elle Matoiro!
as spoken: J’ai passé une heure au supermarché pasqu’v avait un
m onde fou! Puis ça m ’a pris deux heures pour rentrer à
cause d ’un accident sur la route. Q u elle h ia t ^ o o !
m. guy, “dude."
example: Tu connais ce mec-là? J e crois que c'est notre nouveau
professeur d'anglais.
pigef. year.
exam ple Le trois novem bre, j*aurai trente pigM.
as spoken [no change]
translation On N ovem ber third, V\l be thirty yean old.
gfllEBT FRENCH 1: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG S3
planquer v. to hide.
exam ple: Je dois planquer ce cadeau. C’est une surprise pour
m on mari.
pluniard m. bed • Git); that w hich has feathers (from the fem inin noun
“plum e" m eaning “feather”).
example: M on pluuMrd est trop m ou!
as spoken: M on pluuMTd, Test trop m ou!
translation: M y bed is too soft!
•e plumarder v. to go to bed.
as spoken: Salut, Carole! Henri, y m ’a dit qiT ¿as été très m alade!
J’esf)ère que tu vas m ieux maintenant.
translation: № Carole! H enry told m e that you ’ve been sick! I hope
you ’re doing better now .
t â o d i e f . television.
i f. friend, pal.
5. On m ’a . . en pnson.
6. A plus tard.
7. O n a vo lé m on portefeuille! A ppelle la .
□ 4 . Q uel (désordre)!
D. baraque
□ 5 . Quand è va (arriver)?
E. piges
□ 6. J’ai 18 (ans) aujourd’hui.
F. balader
n 7 . A l’aéroport, j’ai oublié où j’avais garé
la voiture. Enfin, j’I’ai trou vée deux
heures après! Q uelle (auenture)!
G. s’est carapaté
Example:
This is a beautiful house!
(baraqne) C’fu iie b«U e toaraque!
1. H e stoic m y bike,
(piquer)_____
3. I broke m y watch,
(bousiller)____
7. If you don ’t want your guitar anym ore, you could hock it!
(la mettre au d o u )____________________________
A CLOSER LOOK:
The Structure of a Sentence
SUBJECT OBJECT
C écile m e fait toujours rire. Je vois A nne souvent.
È m ’fait toujours rire, Cécile. J'ia vois souvent, Anne.
Q u a n d tu dois partir?
C o m m en t tu vas faire ça?
C o m b ie n elle en a, d ’enfants?
ON A PIQUÉ MA TÉLOCHE!
In the previous exam ple, coaiMea ends the phrase w ith the
o b je a placed at the end fo r m ore em phaas:
EXERCISES
A . Practice personal pronouns.
Rewrite each sentence with (a) the appropriate personal pronoun after the
subject and (b ) the subject at the end.
Example:
Jean va bientôt arriver.
a) J e a n , jr M e n tO t a r r i r e r .
b) T va Mentdt an iver, Jean.
a _______________________
b .______________________
a . __________________
b . __________________
a___________________
b __________________
pfUKBT FRENCH It THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG •1
a__________________________________
b . _________________________________
a . _____________________
b . ____________________
6. M a m ère m ’appelle.
a . _________________
b . ________________
a . ___________________
b . ___________________
a . ___________________________
b . ___________________________
a . ______________________
b . ______________________
a . ______ ________________________
b . ______________________________
ét ON A PIQUÉ MA TÉLOCHE!
fourrer radiner
bordel lesUvé se balader
bousiller piquer secarapator
nicaUle planquer téloche
(pourquoi)_______________
( q u r t ) ______________
(quallc)______________________
(quand)_________
( q u i ) ________________________
( q u l ) _________________________
(oR)________________________
(pourquol)_______
(q«ü)_______________
D IC T A T IO N
Test Y o u r A u r a l C om preh en sion .
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 236)
If you are follow in g along w ith your cassette, you w ill n ow hear a paragraph
containing m any o f the terms from this section. The paragraph w ill b e read at
norm al conversational speed (v ^ c h m ay actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the w ords w ill be pronounced as you w ould actually hear them in a
conversation, including m any com m on reductions.
The first tim e the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustom ed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. The paragraph w ill then
be read again with a pause after each group o f w ords to give you tim e to w rite
dow n \viiat you heard. The third tim e the paragraph is read, fo llow along with
vviiat you have written.
iÆ C W Q U À raE
(La Famille)
Leçon Quatre
D ialogue in slang
Richard: Au début, Je m’en suie payé une tranche mais pas vers la
fin! Ma yieille et m on vieux se sont bagarrés!
Daniel: Ils se sont bouffé le nez, tes vieux, hein?
Richard: Tu parles! Pour com m encer, ma fran^^ne s’est engueulée
avec m on beauf sans arrêt.
Daniel: Mais pourquoi?
Richard: Dès le commencement, ils étaient déjà survoltés parce que leur
fiston et leur Hfille ne faisaient que diialer!
Daniel: M on fra n | ^ ne veut pas de moutarcls à cause de ça.
Richard: Alors, ma tatie a vouluse mêler mais mon tonton lui a dit que
ce n’était pas ses «rignons.
Daniel: Et les beaux-vieux.. .ils s’amusaient?
Richard: D on c.. .j’ai passé la soirée à faire l ’ arbitre! Ah, la joie d ’être
bouchon!
Daniel: signer un bail, j’espère que ma
Si jamais je décide de
régulière n’aura pas une grande fam ille!
Leçon Q u a t
Translation
Richard: In the beginning, I had a great time but not tow ard the end! M y
I and dad really blew up at each other.
Daniel- Your parents really got into it, huh?
Richard: You ’re not kidding! T o start off, m y sister kept chewing oat m y
brother-in-law nonstop.
D an iel W h y was that?
•7
Leçon Quatre
D ialogue in slang as it w ould be spoken
Richard: Au début, J’m’en «uis payé une tranche mais pas vers la
fin! Ma v id lle et m on Weux, y se sont bagarrés!
Daniel: Y s’sont bouffé l*nes, tes i^eux, hein?
Richard: frani^ne, è s’est
Tu parles! Pour com m encer, ma
engueulée a vec m on beauf sans arrêt.
Daniel: Mais pourquoi?
V ocabu lary
b C R U f m. brother-in-law.
b C R I l'd R b m. father-in-law.
b e a m c - V iC I I X m.pl. parents-in-Iaw.
example: Les parents d e m on m an sont m es bcaux-'Weux.
as spoken: Les parents ^ m o n mari, ce sont mes beaux>Weuz.
translation: The parents o f m y husband are m y parents>in>law.
b d l e - d O C l l 6 f. m other-in-law.
example: Ma belle>4loche est une chipie!
as spoken: Ma bdle>doehe, c ’t’une chipie!
translation: M y mother'in*law is a shrew!
b o i i c l i o f i m. the youngest m em ber o f the fam ily • Oit): stopper, plug, cork
(o f a bottle).
**Cb n*bSt fMS tbS oignons** exp. “It’s none o f your business” • Git);
“It’s none o f your onions."
example: “Com bien tu pèses?”
“Ce n*cst p u t u oignons!”
as spoken: “Com bien tu pèses?”
“Ç^est p u t u oignons!”
•TlIBBT FRENCH Xt THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 71
f i f l U e f. daughter.
example: Tu connais la BflUe à Nancy?
as spoken: [no change]
translation: D o you know N ancy’s daughter?
f i s t o n m. son.
example: C’est ton Aston? II te ressem ble beaucoup,
as spoken: C’est ton Aston? Y ¿ressem ble beaucoup,
translation: That’s your son? H e looks a lot like you.
f i r a a ^ n e f . sister.
t e m g i w m. brother.
mêler (se) V. to interfere, to stick on e’s nose into som eone’s business •
Oit); to mix, blend.
m o u t a r d s m.pl. kids.
IMiyor Uno tranche (s*on) exp. to have a great tim e • (lit); to treat
oneself to a slice o f it ( “it" signifying “fun").
tatief. aunt.
example: La soeur de ma m ère est ma tatle.
as spoken: La sœur à ma m ère, çlest ma tatle.
t o n t o n m. uncle.
example: Le frère de m on père est m on toutou,
as spoken: Le frère à m on père, ¿ e s t m on i
translation: M y father’s brother is m y uM le.
STREBT FRENCH It THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 7S
SY N O N YM3 idoquef.
as spoken: [n o change]
SYN O N YM : vioc m.
SY N O N Y M (2 )B debs m.pl.
LA JOIE D’ÊTRE BOUCHON
X
ma tatie le bouch on ma r ^ ^ i è r e
(m y aunt) (the youngest - “m e") (m y w ife)
I X
m on tonton ma fran gin e les m outards
(m y uncle) (m y sister) (the kids)
X
m a n n ile
(m y daughter)
m on beau -d ab ma belle-doch e
(m y father-in-law) (m y m other-in-law)
mon b e a u f
(m y brother-in-law)
ma b elle-fra n g in e
(m y sister-in-law)
•nUEBT FRENCH 1: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 77
D. Pourquoi tu tais la
□ 5 . H e’s in a bad m ood.
gueule?
□ 7 . W hat a fight!
F. J’te présente ma
régulière.
1. bouchon:
a. benjam in b. aîné c. enfant
2. f lB U C :
a. fils b. frère c. fille
3 . moutards:
a. m ères b. cadets c. enfants
4. fran^u:
a. père b. frère c. fille
5. vieux:
a. frère b. père c. fils
6. Aston:
a. fils b. neveu c. enfant
7 . frangine:
a. sœur b. m ère c. tante
8 . v ie lle :
a. m ère b. tante c. sœur
9. beaut:
a. frère b. beau-frère c. belle-sœ ur
10. beaux'vieux:
a. beaux-parents b. beaux-frères c. oncles
11.
a. beau-père b. beau-frère c. cadet
STREET FRENCH 1: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 79
A CLOSER LOOK:
Words that Add Emphasis
A . **cette’* = e*te
“ee»» = C»
«cet” = e*t*
1. V ery often in daily conversation the dem onstrative adjectives “cette, ”
“ce,” and “cet“ are reduced:
II m ’énerve, eVenfant!
(This “dam ” kid is bugging m e!)
B. a n peu
Th e adverb o n p a u is used after the verb to em phasize an im perative or
com m and. It is used in much the same w ay as dem onstrative adjectives
( “this” or “that”) are used in English:
Ecoute u n р а й la musique!
(Just listen to this m usic!)
C. ben
1. The adverb b «n , pronounced like the French w ord “bain," is an
extrem ely popular form o f “bien." H ow ever, b 8 ti is very frequently
used like the em phatic “mais“ to em phasize a question, a statement,
or an im perative:
FIUESTION
Mais où tu vas?
B « n où tu vas?
STATEMENT
Mais elle est très gentille!
B m elle est très gentille!
IMPERATIVE
Mais regarde!
B m regarde!
Regarde u n p m !
B m regarde!
B m regarde t
B m arrête n
Eh b m ? (So?)
quoi? (S o what?)
SX LA JOIE D’ÊTRE BOUCHON
D. donc
The conjunction d o n e is often used to em phasize a question or an
im perative:
UESTION
Pourquoi tu pars done?
Où tu uas done?
IMPERATIVE
V^ens done!
Arrêtedone!
E. alors
1. The adverb alors is com m only used to em phasize an interjection:
INTERJECTION
Quelle chance alors!
Fantastique alors!
2. Alors is also used to em phasize “oui" and “non." Unlike ben,
alors follow s “oui" and “non:"
y t’plaît comme prof?
Oui, alors!
4. Ecoute!
(b e n ) __
5. Ecoute!
(donc) _
6. Oui!
(ben ).
7. Oui!
(a lo rs ).
8. Oui!
(ben/alors).
12. Cours!
(d o n c ).
13. Viens!
(ben/donc) .
7. ______________ fe rm e _______________porte!
D IC T A T IO N
Test Y o u r A u r a l C om preheurton.
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 237)
If you are follow in g along w ith your cassette, you w ill n ow hear a paragraph
containing m any o f the terms from this section. Th e paragraph w ill be read at
normal conversational speed (w hich m ay actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the w ords w ill be pronounced as you w ould actually hear them in a
conversation, including m any com m on reductions.
The first tim e the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustom ed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. The paragraph w ill then
be read again with a pause after each group o f w ords to give you time to w rite
down what you heard. The third tim e the paragraph is read, fo llo w along with
\n^at you have written.
t S C W C IN Q
La Grande Boum
(The big bash)
(Une Soirée)
87
L e ^ n Cinq
D ialogue in slang
La Grande Baum
Paul Tu sais, ce n’est pasmarrant. Tout le m onde ici parade avec une
dope à la gueule. La fum ée schlingue! Je vais avoir m al à la
gargue si je reste ici.
Marc: J ’ai l’impression que tu n’es pas fait pour les soirées, mon vieux!
S S
Lesson Five
Translation in English
Marc: W hat are you getting all worked up for? You look line. Hey!
That fl^l o v er there is giving you the eye. M aybe she’s got a
crush on you! G o talk to her!
Paul: No way! I’d be scared to death!
Marc: flipped! D idn’t you com e here to cruise? Listen! I think
Y ou ’v e
you need to get yourself something to drink like m e. I’ll
pay the first round.
Marc: I have a feelin g that you ’re just not cut out for parties, pal!
Leçon
D ialogue in slang as it w ould be spoken
La Grande Bourn
Marc: Ben pourquoi tut*faie dTa bile? T ’es très bien com m e ça. Tiens!
nana-là, è t’biglel P’t’êt’qu’elle en pince pour t^ l Va la
C ’te
brancher!
Paul Rien à chiquer! J’aurais la trouille.
Marc: Tu d^antec! T ’es pas v ’nu pour draguer? Ben écoute! J ’crois
qu ’t’as b ’soind’t’en ]*ter un derrière la cravate com m e m oi.
C ’est m oi qui paie la prem ière tournée.
Paul T ’as perdu la boule! Tu veux m ’voir tomber dan» le» pomme»?
Si j’m’humectds le» amygdales avec ce tord-boyaux qu’t’as
dans la pince, je s’rais rond comme une queue (Tbillard
V ocabu lary
bigler u. to look from the com er o f on e’s eye.
example: Je crois qu ’elle te bigle,
as spoken: ¡Tcrois qu’è ^blgle.
translation: I think she’s looking at you.
b o i i n i f. b ig party, “a bash.”
example: Dem ain je donne une boum chez m oi. Je t’invite!
example (2): Cette dam e-là parle toute seule depuis une heure. Je
crois qu 'elle d ^ a n t e !
faire de la bile (ee) exp. to get all w orked up, to w orry • (lit); to
produce bile.
example: Ne te Id s pas de Mle. Je suis sûr qu’elle arrivera
bientôt!
garguef. throat.
example: Hier, j’ai hurlé pendant trois heures au m atch de
football. Aujourd’hui, j’ai m al à la gargue.
as spoken: [no change]
gueuleton, p. 8 .
n n r r a i l t C e ) adj. funny.
example: Cette com édienne est ! Personne ne m e fait
rire com m e elle!
Ü. to look.
example: Elle s’appelle com m ent, cette nana? C ’est la prem ière
fois que je la vois ici.
translation: W hat’s that ^ r l ’s name? This is the first tim e I’ve seen
her here.
SYNONYM 1 nénettef.
ANTONYM m . gu y, “ d u d e .'
LA GRANDEBOUM
Perdre la boule exp. to lose one's mind, ‘ to lose i f • (lit); to lose the ball.
example: Tu ne sais pas ce que tu as fait d e tes clés? C ’est la
troisièm e fois en deux jours que ça t’arrive! Je crois que
tu com m ences à perdre la boule.
as spoken: Tu ~ sais pas ¿ q u e ¿as fait ¿ te s clés? C ’est la troisièm e
fois en deux jours q jf ça t’arrive! ¿ c ro is q if tu
com m ences à perd^ la boule.
translation: You don’t know w hat you did with your keys? That’s the
third tim e in tw o days that’s happened to you! 1 think
you ’re starting to loee it.
pinC6 f. hand • Oit): pincher (from the verb pincer m eaning “to pinch"),
example: Tu peux m e dorm er un coup de place?
as spoken: Tu peux m ’donner un coup ¿pince?
translation: Can you give m e a hand?
SChlinguer U. to stink.
example: Ça sehllngne dans cette maison!
as spoken: Ça schlingue dans c^te maison!
translation: It sUnks in this house!
V A R IA T IO N : schlingoter u.
tOinbcr daus let pomnies exp. to faint, to pass out • Oit); to fall into
the apples.
example: Quand N ancy a vu le spectre, elle est tombée dans
translation: l’il pay for the first rouaid if you pay for the second.
Okay?
example (2); J e vais dem ander à mon tdenx s’il peut m e prêter sa
bagnole.
3. C't alcool, l'est trop fort! Q uel tord -(b ra a, boyaux, bouche)!
l'eau.
D. gueule
E U 6. Rien à faire*.
G. fringué
A CLOSER LOOK:
Papuiar Usage of Obfeetive Case
Personal Pronouns and ** Ça’’
A. Objective case personal pronouns
The student o f French has no doubt learned h ow to em phasize the subject
moi, toi, liü, elle,
o f a sentence w ith the use o f the personal pronouns
nous, vous, eux, and elles, and the dem onstrative pronoun ça.
Je m ’appelle D avid
Moi, je m'appelle David.
Tu es très amusant.
Toi, tu es très amusant.
Il est gentil.
lMi.il est gentil.
C ’est fantastique!
ç « . c ’est fantastique!
Je m'appelle David,
Tu es très amusant, t o i.
Il est gentil, lu i.
C ’est fantastique, ç u !
EXERCISES
A. Practice Pereonal/DemoiiEtrative Pronouns.
Emphasize the subject by adding the appropriate personal or
dem onstrative pronoun to the sentence. Choose from the list below .
Example:
T ’es en retard.
T e s en retard, toi.
2. L ’est gran d __
3. È court v ite ,.
4. Tu joues bien du p ia n o ,.
10. C’est b ie n ,,
Examples:
Y schlingue, lui! J'pars maintenant,
(w ho) Qui çaT (why) Fm irquof çaT
____________________?
7. J’ai la trouille.
(w h y )__________________________ ?
DICTATION
Tett Yonr Aural Comprahendon.
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 238)
If you are follow in g along with your cassette, you w ill n ow hear a paragraph
containing m any o f the terms from this section. The paragraph w ill be read at
norm al conversational speed (v ^ c h m ay actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the w ords w ill be pronounced as you w ould actually hear them in a
conversation, including m any com m on reductions.
The first tim e the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustom ed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. The paragraph w ill then
be read again with a pause after each group o f w ords to give you tim e to w rite
dow n v ^ a t you heard. The third tim e the paragraph is read, fo llow along with
u lia t you have written.
REVIEW EXAM
FOR LESSONS 1-S
(Answers to Review, p. 224)
10*
STREBT FRENCH 1: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 1«7
10. J’ai le vertige, m oi. J’crois qu ’jvais tom ber dans le s ________________ !
C. CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Complete the sentences hy using the list
below . W rite your answer in the crossword
puzzle on the opposite page.
balles bousiller
bordd chiales {ringuée
boudin claquer pébroc
boule cradingue pince
ACROSS
7. C ’t’un fou! Il a perdu la .
DOWN
7. Q u e l_______ta cham bre! Va la ranger tout d ’suite!
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
1X0 REVIEW EXAM OF LESSONS 1-5
D. CONTEXT EXERCISE
F ill in the letter corresponding to the correct
phrase in the right column.
□ 3. Tu la connais bien?
C. J ’vais m lMlader un peu. Je
r’viens bientôt.
□ 8. Tu veux faire un
pique-nique ici?
H. J ’vais chercher m on pébroc.
Le Chouchou du Prof
(The teacher’s pet)
(En Classe)
111
Leçon Six
D ialogue in slang
Le Chouchou du Prof
Yvette: Ben, oui! Sachant que je ne suis pas calée enUMths, il m e pose
toujours des colles et m e fait plancher devant toute la galerie. Il
m e casse les pieds, lui!
André: Mais tu as rem arqué que son chonChou sem ble toujours cartonuer
aux examens? II ne reçoit que des méganotes!
Yvette: Je ne peux pas le blrirer, ce gonxe! En plus, il est moChe à caler
des roues de corbillard. Et il a un oril qui dit zut à l’autre!
André: Et tu as zieuté un peu ses tifs? A chaque fois qu’il te fait débriter
la colline, le merlan fait de sa tête un melon déplumé.
Lesson Six
André: Holy cow! The stack o f hom ew ork the teacher piles on
students is unreal!
Yvette: I don ’t even have tim e to do it because I have to w ork tonight.
I think I'll cut class tom orrow .
André: But you flunked the last ежат and there’s another on e on
Friday.
Yvette: I know. And if I don ’t cram for it, I’m done for!
André: H e must be out of his mind to think that w e can read all these
books in tw o days! I think h e’s a sadist.
Yvette: lousy in math, he always puts these
I’ll say! Knowing that I’m
imposflble questions to m e and grills me in front o f the entire
Class. H e ticks me off!
André: But did you notice that his pet always seem s to the exams? All
he ever does is get high grades!
Yvette: I can’t stand that guy! Besides, h e’s got a face that could stop
the wheels of a hearse. And h e’s really cross>eyed!
André: A nd did you get a load of his hair? Every tim e he gets his hair
cut the harber makes him look like a plucked melon.
113
L e ^ n Six
D ialogue in slang as it w ould be spoken
Le Chouchou du Prof
tlA
STREET FRENCH It THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG
V ocabu lary
b o s s c r V. to w ork hard.
example: Je suis fatigué parce que je bosse soixante heures par
semaine.
bouqidn m. book.
example: Tu as lu tout ce bouquln en une heure?
as spoken: T a s lu tout c^bouquln en une heure?
translation: You read that entire book in on e hour?
casSCFles pieds à quelQ 11*UII exp. to annoy som eone grea tly* (lit);
to break som eone’s feet.
example: Tu m e cawet les pieds avec toutes tes questions!
as spoken: Tu m’casses les |dsds a vec toutes tes questions!
translation: You really aaaoy m e with all your questions!
V A R IA T IO N : Tu me les cesses! • You’re breaking them !
casse>pleds m.&f. annoying person, p>ain in the neck.
SYNO NYM : taper sur le systSme S HnelHa*an exp. to get on
som eone’s nerves • Oit): to hit on som eone’s system.
as spoken: [n o change]
SYNONYM (2): m.
la o LE CHOUCHOU DU PROF
translation: O ne o f these days, you ’ll be bald just like your o l’ man.
p o t a c l i q m. student.
example: Quand j’étais !, je n’avais jamais le temps de
m e m arrer.
t i t e m.pl. hair.
example: M a frangine a des t i i s très longs. Ils desœ ndent jusqu’à
ses genoux!
translation: M y sister has very long bair. It goes dow n to her knees!
Oeil qui dit zut à l*autrz (avoir) exp. (hum orous) said o f
som eone v ^ o is cross-eyed • Oit): to have an eye w hich says “D am !" to
the other.
blairer
déboiser
bouquin étendre tin
calé la vache zieuter
1. T ’as claqué tout ton fiic? T ’es (ciaSlé, lessivé, panard), non?
(draguer, plancher,
6. Le prof, y m ’a fait 0 d ’vant toute la
(voiture, baraque, galerie).
10. Alors, l’exam, y s’est bien passé? Oui! J ’ai r’çu une (notation,
mininote, méganote)!
A CLOSER LOOK:
CoUoquiai Use of Present Tense to
Indicate Future
In colloquial French, the present tense is com m only used to indicate an
event that w ill take place in the future. It is im portant to note that this
construction is used by all social levels. F or exam ple:
On en p a rk plus tard.
W e ’ll talk about it later.
This also holds true w hen using “i f and “then” clauses. Ordinarily, v ^ e n
the “i f clause is in the present tense, the “then" clause is in the future
tense:
EXERCISES
4. O n en discut’ra d ’main.
(W e ’ll discuss it tomorrow.)
6. Y te I’rendra c ’soir.
(H e ’ll give it back to you tonight.)
D IC T A T IO N
Test Y o u r A u r a l C om prehension.
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 239)
If you are follow in g along w ith your cassette, you w ill n ow hear a paragraph
containing m any o f the terms from this section. The paragraph w ill b e read at
norm al conversational speed (w hich m ay actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the w ords w ill be pronounced as you w ould actually hear them in a
conversation, including m any com m on reductions.
The first tim e the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustom ed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. Th e paragraph w ill then
be read again w ith a pause after each group o f w ords to give you tim e to w rite
dow n what you heard. Th e third tim e the paragraph is read, fo llo w along with
what you have written.
iJ Ç W S E r r
L a V ie d e C o s s a r d
(Les Vacances)
131
Leçon Sept
D ialogue in slang
La Vie de Cossard
Yves: M«d itou. Quand je suis en vacances, je n'en ache pas une
rame et franchement, je préfère les passer tout seul! Une fois, j’ai
pris mes vacances avec m on frangin et au bout d e trois jours, il a
com m encé à m e taper sur les nerfs. M oi, je préfère passer m on
temps à lésarder tandis que lui, il a toujours la bougeotte. Et
qu’est'Ce qu’il peut être collant!
Marc: Tu aurais dû essayer de le semer.
Yves: s’éclipse quelques plombes, je lui balançais
Eh ben, pour qu’il
du pognon pour le dnoche. C’était du gâteau!
Marc: Chapeau! Faut dire que tu es roublard, toi.
Yues: Bon, revenons à nos moutons...tu as pioncé à la belle
étoile com m e tu voulais?
Marc: Non, on a décid é de descendre dans un hôtel à pension
com plète. J’avais la crèche, la dine et tout.
Yues: arnaquer. M oi, je suis toujours
J’espère que tu ne t'es pas fait
fauché après être descendu dans un bon hôtel avec les notes
salées qu'ils te balancent.
Marc: Tu vas en rester baba quand je te dirai le prix. Ça ne m ’a pas
coûté une thune vu que m on père est le proprio!
13S
Lesson Seven
Translation in English
Yves: The same goes for me. W hen I’m on vacation, I don*t lift
a Bnger, and frankly, I prefer to go alone! O nce I w ent
on vacation with m y brother and by the end o f three days, he
getting on my nerves. 1prefer spending m y tim e
started
soaking up the rajrs v iie re a s he always has to be on the
move. And can he ever be clingy!
Marc: You should’v e tried to ditch I
Yves: get lost for a couple o f hours, 1would hand
W ell, just so h e’d
him som e cash for the movies. It was a rinch!
Marc: Bravo! I must say you ’re really sneaky.
Yves: Okay, getting back to what we were talking about., did
you sleep under tiie stars like you wanted?
Marc: to Cherit into a hotel w ith everything included. I
N o, w e decided
had room, board, and everything.
Yves: I h op e you didn’t get ripped oft. I'm always broke
after staying in a nice hotel with the Inflated bills they throw
at you.
Marc: Y ou ’re going to be shocked w hen I tell you the price. It didn’t
cost m e a red cent because m y father is the owner!
xas
Leçon Sept
D ialogue in slang as it w ould be spoken
La V ie d^Cossard
Yves: J’espère que tu t’es pas fait arnaquer. M oi, j’suis toujours
fauché après êt’descendu dans un bon hôtel a vec les notes
salées qu’y t’balancent.
Marc: Tu vas en rester baba quand j’te dirai l’prïx. Ça m ’a pas coûté
une thune vu qu ’m on père, c’est l’proprio!
fTlIBBT FIKENCH l: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG
V ocabu lary
■v-i%]iw3»gaii The expression “to hear that... ” does not quite translate
the sam e into French. 'The verb dire (“to say”) must be
added to entendre ( “to hear”): entendre dire que
exp. • Oit); to hear say that...!
m iE B T FHENCH 1$ THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG *»7
Oenunardm.
dinef. dinner.
example C’est à quelle heure, la dine?
as spoken C’t’à quelle heure, la dine?
translation W hat tim e is dinner?
SYNO NYMB ^ q u e r V.
fiche une reine (ne pee en) exp. to d o absolutely nothing • Oit);
not to lift an oar.
example: M oi, je bosse toute la journée dans cette baraque et lui,
il n*en fid ie pas une rame!
as spoken: M oi, j’bosse toute la journée dans ¿ t e baraque et lui,
Ten Bche pas une rame!
translation: I w ork all day lon g in this house and he doesn't lift a
140 LAVIEDECOSSARD
gâteau Ce*est du) exp. said o f som ething easy, ‘ a piece o f cake” • (lit);
it’s cake.
example: Je vais t’apprendre à m onter à vélo. C’est du gâteau!
as spoken: iTvais t’apprendre à m onter à vélo. C*est du gâteau!
translation: I’m going to teach you h ow to ride a bike. lt*s a ^ece
of cake!
translation: I’m tan because I lied in the sun all day at the beach.
p i o n e e r u. to sleep.
example: Je vais cam per ce w eekend. Ça m e plaît énorm ém ent
de pioneer à la belle étoile.
p l o m b e f. hour.
example: II est trois o lo m b c t .
SYNO NYM S: du fric • de l’oseille • du blé • des ronds • des sous • du pèze
• des picaillons • du grisbi • de la galette
E 23 pognon, p. 7
liquette f. shirt.
FRENCH is THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG US
translation: Did you see the dress H elen’s wearing? It’s absolutely
seasatioaal!
taper sur les nerfs à quelqu’un exp. to get on som eone’s nerves
• Git): to hit on som eone’s nerves.
CH 8. Ça coûte trop cher, ça! J ’suis pas v ’nu ici pour m ’faire !
a. grenouiller b. arnaquer c. léxarder
F. m’éelipcer
6. J’doispartir.
7. C ’est facile _
G. arnaquer
10. Félicitations.
2. iandlé:
a. sans argent b. fatigué
3. en rester baba:
a. être nerveux b. être stupéfait
4. avoir la bougeotte:
a. être toujours en m ouvem ent b. avoir d e l’argent
S. téUdtatfons:
a. bonnet b. chapeau
a. horrible b. fantastique
8 . s*ëcUpser;
a. partir vite b. arriver vite
9.
a. paresseux b. m ec
10. roublard:
a. malin b. stupide
11. plombe:
a. lent b. heure
12. propriO:
a. propre b. propriétaire
STREET FRENCH 1: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 147
A CLOSER LOOK:
Further Use of Personal Pranoum
A. The personal pronoun **moi*’
In colloquial French, the personal pronoun moi is often used to add
emphasis to a com m and or an im perative only w ^en the statement
involves the senses o r personal perception. It is used in much the same
w ay as “just” is used in English to add emphasis to the verb that it m odifies:
2. To EmphaUze Possession
Possessive adjectives are used to indicate possession:
1. Regarde ça!
3. Sens c ’gâteau!
4. Goûte ce chocolat!
5. Touche c ’t’étoffe!
9TIIEBT FRENCH It THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 149
1. T u l’as trouvé?
2. J’t’aim e bien.
5. È m T a promis.
7. J ’t’ai étonné?
8. Tu l’as invitée?
6. C est not’maison.
FRENCH 11 THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG IS l
8. C est m on pantalon.
9. C est ta m oto?
DICTATION
Test Y our A u ra l Com prehension.
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 240)
If you are follow in g along with your cassette, you w ill n ow hear a paragraph
containing m any o f the terms from this section. The paragraph w ill b e read at
normal conversational speed (vM ch m ay actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the words w ill be pronounced as you w ould actually hear them in a
conversation, including m any com m on reductions.
The first tim e the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustom ed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. The paragraph w ill then
be read again with a pause after each group o f w ords to give you tim e to w rite
dow n what you heard. The third tim e the paragraph is read, fo llow along with
what you have written.
iÆCOW HUIT
Dans le Zinc
(In the airplane)
(En Avion)
1«
Leçon Huit
EMalogue in slang
Dans te Zinc
A m e: It’s nice o f you to com e pick m e up at the airport. I hope you didn’t
have to wait a long time.
Paul: N ot at all. So, what’s shaking? You look kind o f out of it.
Anne: Y ou ’re not going to b elieve m y lousy luck. I’m really not doing
w ell today. First off, I thought I’d lost m y airplane ticket. I had
trouble finding it v iie n I arrived at the airport. Finally, I found it
after rummaging through all m y baggage. I almost broke my
neck trying not to miss m y flight. I had to haul butt because
m y plane was going to leave.
Paul: W hat an ej^serience! After all that, did you to sleep in the
plane?
Anne: You’ve gotta be kidding! There was a guy next to m e v iio didn’t stop
yacking. A real blabbermouth.
Paul: Oh, you ’re exaggerating!
Anne: baloney. H e talked my ear oft for an hour w ith his
It’s no
endless stories. H e bothered everyone in the airplane! 'The
passengers w ere on the verge o f throw ing him out the w indow !
ISf
Leçon Huit
D ialogue in slang as it w ould be spoken
Dans VZinc
Anne: C ’est gentil de v ’nir m e chercher à l’aéroport. J’espère que t’as pas
eu à poireauter longtem ps.
Paul: Non, non. Alors, ça caHnare? T ’as pas l’air dam ton assiette.
Anne: Tu vas pas croire ma dëvdne. J’ai vraiment pas la pêohe
aujourd’hui. D ’abord, j’ai pensé qu’j’avais paumé mon bület d ’avion.
J’ai eu du mal à l’trouver quand j’suis arrivée à l’aéroport! Mais enfin,
j’I’ai repêché après avoir farfouillé dans tous mes hagos. J’ai failli
m’casser la gueule en essayant d’ne pas louper mon vol. J’ai dû
! pasque mon avion, l’allait s*harrer.
Paul: Q uelle aventure! Après tout ça, t’es arrivée à faire dans
le td u c ?
if*
STREET FRENCH It THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 1S7
V ocabu lary
à deux doigts de (être) exp. to be on the verge, this far away from
• Oit): to be the length o f tw o fingers away from (doin g som ething).
casser la gueule Cse) exp. to break o n e’s “neck” • Oit); to break on e’s
mouth or “m ug."
example: Tu vas faire du ski aujourd’hui? Attention à ne pas te
caaser la gueule!
as spoken: Tu vas faire du ski aujourd’hui? Attention à n’pas
rcasser la gueule!
translation: You ’re going skiing today? Be careful not to break
your neck!
FRENCH l: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG Iff
c h a r r ie r u. to exaggerate.
example: Tu as trouvé dix millions de francs en pleine rue?! A rrête
de Charrier!
as spoken: T a s trouvé dix millions ^ fra n cs en pleine rue?! A rrête
de Charrier!
translation: You found ten m illion francs in the m iddle o f the street?!
Stop exaggerating!
as spoken: [n o change]
translation: A nother flat tire! That’s the second time today! I have
liorrible luck.
SYNONYM (1): manquer de pot exp. to hâve bad luck • Git); to lack
luck • av<dr du pot exp. to hâve good luck.
d o d o ( i a i r o ) exp. to go to sleep.
example: Je suis lessivé. Je vais faire dodo,
as spoken: Tsuis lessivé. J va is faire dodo,
translation: I’m exhausted. I’m goin g to sleep.
BBEngZH baver u.
l o u p e r V. to miss.
translation: I m i f c d m y flight.
paumer u. to lose.
example ( 1 ): J’ai paumé m on chapeau,
as spoken: [n o change]
translation: I lo a t m y hat.
un paumé m. a loser.
translation: This flight is too lon g...ten hours stuck in this airplane!
5. J’a i. l’bus!
□ 2 , airplane
B. arriver à taire
quelque chose
□ 3 . to be “out o f it"
C. bagos
□ 4 . blabberm outh
D. casser la gueule à
quelqu’un
□ 5 . to miss
E. se uMgner le derche
n 7 . to m anage to be able to do
som ething G. moulin à paroles
H. rinc
□ s. baggage
A CLOSER LOOK:
The Many CoUoquial Uses of **Bau**
B. To eapress anger
I is also used to express anger or resentment. In this case, it w ould b e
equivalent to the English w ord “fin e” w hen used in anger.
E. P o u rd e b o n
D IC T A T IO N
Test Y o u r A u r a l C om prehension.
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 241)
If you are follow in g along w ith your cassette, you w ill n ow hear a paragraph
containing m any o f the terms from this section. The paragraph w ill be read at
normal conversational speed (v iiic h m ay actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the w ords w ill be pronounced as you w ould actually hear them in a
conversation, including m any com m on reductions.
The first tim e the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustomed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. The paragraph w ill then
be read again with a pause after each group o f w ords to give you tim e to w rite
down \\iiat you heard. The third tim e the paragraph is read, fo llo w along with
what you have written.
lÆ Ç W NEUF
Un Coup de FU
(A teîephane eatt)
(Au Téléphone)
ITI
Leçon Neuf
D ialogue in slang
A u BigapHone
Margot: Elle n’a pas la bosse du chant. Ce n’est pas dans ses cordes.
Margot: Oh, I'v e had It with her baloney! She rattled on for an
entire hour telling m e h ow she’s going to becom e an actress, big
singer, international m odel, and blah blah blah. W hat a
showofif!
Jeanne: It’s always the same old story and frankly, I don’t |^ve a
hoot. She’ll succeed at getting a career like that when
donkeys fly.
Margot: She doesn’t have the knaSk fo r singing. It’s not up her alley.
Jeanne: legs she has, she must be nuts to think that she
A n d with the
hair is horrible, she has a big
can becom e a m odel! H er
honker that eats her entire painted up iaee, and filthy
teeth. A real ugo!
Margot: A nd it’s obvious that she doesn’t have a good figure.
Jeanne: D on ’t you think w e ’re not being very nice?
«•ra
Leçon Neuf
D ialogue in slang as it w ould be spoken
A u Tétéphane
174
•TKEBT FRENCH 1: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG 17S
V o cabiilaiy
c r â n e u s e f. conceited w om an or girl.
example: Elle pense qu’elle est supérieure au reste du monde.
C ’est une vraie crâneuse.
as spoken: È pense qu ’elle est supérieure au reste du m onde.
C ’t’une vraie crâneuse.
translation: She thinks she’s superior to the rest o f the w orld. She’s
a real conedted person.
translation: I’m sure h e’s going to hire you because you have the
best qualifications! D on’t w orry. It’s a sure bet!
SYNO NYM I cousu d’avance (être) exp. • (lit); it’s already sewn up.
as spoken: Uest fatigant, lui! ¡¿a dégoisé pendant toute une heure
au bout du fil!
g U i h o U c s f.pl. legs.
example: Ça fait six heures qu’on n ’arrête pas de danser! J’ai mal
aux guibolles, m oi!
as spoken: Ça fait six heures qu’on ~ arrête pas ¿d a n ser! J’ai mal
aux guibolles, m oi!
translation: W e ’ve been dancing nonstop for six hours! M y legs hurt!
p i i m. nose, “honker.”
example: Ce gamin a un grand œ m m e celui de son vieux,
r c n g l d n e f. repetitious story.
example: C ’est toujours la m êm e rengaine. Je l’invite chez m oi
et il m e dit qu’il est trop occupé.
translation: It’s always the same old story. I invite him to m y house
and he tells m e that h e’s too busy.
tignasse f. a m op o f hair.
example: Elle n’a pas honte de sortir avec une telle ?0n
dirait qu’elle ne se coiffe jamais!
translation: Isn’t she ashamed to g o out w ith that ludr? It looks like
she’s never brushed it!
SYNO NYM (3 ) I Cétre) adj. (from the verb fêler m eaning *to
crack”).
A. CONTEXT EXERCISE
Choose the best idiom from the righ t column
that goes w ith the phrase in the left column.
□ 10. Y parle tout seul dans la rue. J. J*crois qu*U est timbré.
IBS AU TELEPHONE
L CROSSWORD
F ill in the crossword puzzle on the opposite
page by choosing the correct w o rd (s ) from
the iist below .
A cross D ow n
1 7 .______ V. to talk a lot, to 9 . _______f.pl. legs.
spout o ff at the mouth.
12. ___ f.pl. teeth.
29. fiche < id e m
première. __de quelque ehose
15.
exp. not to care at all
(avoir la) exp. to b e gifted
about something.
fo r something.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
X«4 AU TELEPHONE
6. C ’t’un boudin!
□ a. Q u’est-ce qu ’elle est jolie!
□ b. Q u’est-ce qu ’elle est m oche!
□ c. Q u’est-ce qu ’elle est intelligente!
A CLOSER LOOK:
The Interfeetive Use of the Relative
and Interrogative Pronoun ^^Quof”
(Q u el acteur horrible!)
Comme acteur, vous êtes.. .dans une catégorie à part, quoi/
As an actor, you are...in a league o f your ow n!
(Q u el spectacle stupéfiant!)
Le spectacle, il était absolument...fantastique, q u o i!
C'est toujours toi qui es assis à l'avant. Cette fois, c'est mon tour, q u o i!
You always get to ride in the front. This time, it’s m y turn, already!
Cest toujours toi qui es assis à l'avant. Cette fois, c'est mon tour, o n f iu !
On doit y êt'dans cinq minutes! Dépêche-toi, o n f iu !
Practice **Quol**
A. Translate the phrases into French using the
relative pronoun **quoi” as an interjection.
Example:
(euphemism)_
(euphemism)_
(em otion).
(emotion)_
Cimpatience)_
(em otion).
(euphemism)_
D IC T A T IO N
Test Y o u r A u r a l C om prehension.
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 242)
If you are follow in g along with your cassette, you w ill n ow hear a paragraph
containing m any o f the terms from this section. The paragraph w ill be read at
norm al conversational speed (v ^ ic h m ay actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the w ords w ill be pronounced as you w ould actually hear them in a
conversation, including m any com m on reductions.
The first tim e the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustom ed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. The paragraph w ill then
be read again with a pause after each group o f w ords to give you tim e to w rite
dow n what you heard. The third tim e the paragraph is read, fo llo w along with
v ^ a t you have written.
¡Æ ÇO ^TEN
J ’ai la
(I’m Siek!)
199
Leçon Dix
D ialogue in slang
J ’ai la Crève!
i«e
Lesson Ten
Translation in English
Robert: A ll the doctors must haul outta there w hen they see him
coming!
Marie: Th e hospital must have a perm anent bed for him w ith his name
on it!
le t
Le^on Dix
D ialogue in slang as it w ould be spoken
J*ai la Crève!
19S
STREET FRENCH 1: THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG m
V ocabu lary
translation: Y ou ’ll give yourself quite a hernia if you try to lift that!
b l a z e m. name.
translation: Things are not going w ell for m e these days. I’v e got no
job and all m y friends have dropped me.
corbuchef. ulcer.
example: Je m e sens des aigreurs. J’espère que je n ’ai pas de
corlmdie!
as spoken: Je m ’sens des aigreurs. J’espère qu|j’ai pas ¿ c
fMIgUOt m. bed.
example: Ton pageot est trop m ou. C ’est pour ga que tu as mal
au dos.
as spoken: Ton , Test trop mou. C ’est pour ça qjT ¿as mal
audos,
toute une salade (en faire) exp. to make a big deal about
som ething • Oit): to make a big salad o v er something.
translation: M y brother’s a i
(Rageot, iMttant,
2. Ton oncle, l’est m on d'une crise d e
traachC'lard)? Mais y faisait d'Ia danse aérobique trois fois par
sem aine!
3- Pour le m om ent, j’dors par terre pasque j ’ai pas d’(blaae, billard,
pag«ot).
6. Mais pourquoi t’arrêtes pas d ’fum er? C’est pour ça que t’as m al aux
(pageots, blases, éponges)!
8. Ma m ère, l’en a fait toute une (tarte, soupe, salade) pasque j ’ai
pas fait m on lit.
10. J’peux pas m anger la cuisine m exicaine. C’est trop ép icé pour m oi à
cause de ma (corbuche, salade, tangente).
J’AI LA CRÈVEj
A CLOSER LOOK I:
The Omission of
the Possessive Adjective
A. In an im perative o r command
In French, possessive adjectives (mon, ma, mes, ton, ta, tes, son, sa,
sot, notre, nos, votre, vos, leur and leurs) are used to m odify the
noun they precede:
Voici ma mère.
This is m y m other.
M asse-m oi im dos.
Massage m y back.
Ttens-m oi la main.
H old m y hand
aox J’AI LA CRÈVE!
POSSESSIVE
Verb Noun
ADJECTIVE
Masse man dos.
PERSONAL DEFINITE
Verb Noun
PRONOUN ARTICLE
Masse - mot le dos.
B. In a statement
The possessive adjective m ay also be dropped in a statement only if an
action is being taken on the physical attribute. In the follow ing, an action
is not being taken:
Je lu i masse tm dos.
I’m massaging his/her back.
Personal DeQnite
Subject Object
Pronoun Article
11. 6 m aquille ses yeux. (She's making up her [someone else’s] eyes)
^_____ ^ __________,
PERSONAL
Verb Object
PRONOUN
Tiens - m oi ça.
Porte - m oi la valise.
T------------------- PERSONAL
Subject Verb 1 Object POUR
PRONOUN
Je tiens la porte pour toi.
Je porte la valise pour toi.
r i
PERSONAL
Subject Verb Object
PRONOUN
L Je te tiens la porte.
t Je te porte la valise.
208 J'AI LA CRÈVE!
J e te tiens ¡a porte?
M ay I hold the d oor fo r you?
J e te porte la valise?
M ay I carry the suitcase for you?
Personal
Subject VERB Object
Pronoun
Je te tiens la porte.
Je te porte la valise.
Personal PAST
Subject AVOIR Obiect
1 Pronoun PARTICIPLE
Je t’ ai tenu la porte.
Je t’ ai p orté la valise.
5. V érifie cette liste pour nous. (Verify this list for us)
6. Coupe cette ficelle pour m oi. (Cut this string for me)
7. Lave ces tasses jxju r elle. (Wash these cups for her)
8. Change c ’t’am poule pour ltd. (Change this light bulb for him)
10. Rép>are la voiture pour nous. (Ftx the car for us)
XIO J’AI LA CRÈVE!
II a peint la maison pour m oi. (He painted the house for me)
It m*a p0 int ta mai$an,
1. J’tiens les livres pour toi? (Shall I hold the books for you?)
3. II a ouvert la porte pour elle. (He opened the door for her)
4. Je soulève la valise pour toi? (May I lift the suitcase for you)
5. J’ai vérifié la liste pour lui. (I verified the list for him)
7. J ’ai lavé la tasse pour toi. (I washed the cup for you)
8. II a changé l’am poule pour elle. (He changed the light bulb for her)
10. II a réparé la voitu re pour nous. (He fixed the car for us)
STREET FRENCH It THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG au
D IC T A T IO N
Test Y o u r A u r a l C om preh en sion .
(This dictation can be found in Appendix A on page 243)
If you are follow in g along with your cassette, you w ill n ow hear a paragraph
containing m any o f the terms from this section. The paragraph w ill be read at
normal conversational speed (w hich m ay actually seem fast to you at first). In
addition, the w ords w ill be pronounced as you w ould actually hear them in a
conversation, including m any com m on reductions.
The first tim e the paragraph is presented, simply listen in order to get
accustom ed to the speed and heavy use o f reductions. The paragraph w ill then
be read again with a pause after each group o f w ords to give you tim e to w rite
down vk^at you heard. The third tim e the paragraph is read, fo llo w along with
what you have written.
REVIEW EXAM
FOR LESSONS 6-10
(Answers to Review, p. 224)
3. J’ai entendu dire qu’ t’as réussi à tous tes exams! (Casquette,
Bonnet, Chapeau)!
(pioneer, poireauter,
8. J’suis fatigué pasque j’ai pas pu
farfouiller) toute la nuit. Les voisins, y faisaient trop d ’bruit.
10. J’peux pas chanter, moi. C ’est pas dans mes (ficelles, cordes,
lignes).
SIS
STREET FRENCH It THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG X13
B. CONTEXT EXERCISE
F ill in the letter corresponding to the correct
phrase in the righ t eolumn.
C. J ’dois a i*é C U p M r.
EU 3. Y fait rien toute la journée.
C. CROSSWORD
Step 1: FUl in the blanks with the appropriate w ord (s) from the list below .
Step 2: Using your answers, fill in the crossword puzzle on the opposite
page.
blairer gftteaa
loaper coupé
crève tangen
doigte vache
ACROSS
16. Nicolas, c ’est ton ami?! Oh, j’peux pas l’_
18. Jeanne, è sem ble très triste aujourd’hui. J’ai l’impression qu ’elle est
à d eu x_____________________d ’chialer!
DOWN
7. J’m e barre tout d ’suite. J’veux p a s________________ . m on bus.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
SI* REVIEW EXAM OF LESSONS 6-10
2. requinquer:
a. to tire b. to perk up c. to eat
3. dévoue:
a. bad luck b. good luck c. large crow d
4. tif:
a. hair b. big nose c. ugly face
5. s’éclipser:
a. to g o to sleep b. to arrive c. to leave
6. déidcher:
a. to leave b. to laugh c. to find
7. poireauter:
a. to leave b. to laugh c. to w ait
8 . paunier:
a. to lose b. to arrive c. to look
9. e’est du gâteau:
a. it’s hard b. it’s easy c. it’s impossible
10.
a. m oney b. food c. intense fear
ANSWERS TO
LESSONS 1-10
LEÇON UN - It F lo tte E ncore!
Practice the Vocabulary
A. 1 . C 6. I
2. B 7. J
3. H 8. D
4. G 9. A
5. F 10 . E
B. 1 . dingue 5. bouffe
2 . caille 6 . fric
3 . guigne 7 . carrém ent
4. cloche 8 . boudin
C. 1 . F 6. H
2. A 7. 1
3. G 8. D
4. C 9. E
5. B 10 . J
**7
Nais ANSWERS TO LESSONS M O
B. CROSSWORD PUZZLE
B. 1 . 1 6. E
2. B 7. A
3. D 8. G
4. C 9. J
5. H 10 . F
A CLOSER LOOK I: Em tc Im s
A. l a. C e gâteau, l’est délicieux,
b. L ’est délicieux, c ’gâteau.
6 . a. M a m ère, è m ’appelle,
b. È m ’appelle, ma m ère.
C. FAMILY TREE
ANSWERS TO LESSONS l-IO ass
A. 1 . d o p e 7. bigle
2 . fringué 8 . schlingue
3. nana / brancher 9. déjantes
4. boule 1 0 . bile
5. marrant 1 1 . boum
6 . trouille
B. 1 . d o d o 8 . brancher
2 . jeter 9. pince
3. boyaux 1 0 . trouille
4. rond 1 1 . draguer
5. am ygdales 1 2 . marrant
6. dope 13. gargue
7. pom m es
C. 1 . A 7. M
2. K 8. H
3. E 9. J
4. B 10 . C
5. D 11. G
6. 1 12 . F
XX4 ANSWERS TO LESSONS M o
B. 1. Pourquoi ça 6. Où ça
2. Où ça 7. Pourquoi ça
3. Com m ent ça 8. Qui ça
4. Pourquoi ça 9. Pourquoi ça
5. Qui ça 10. Quand ça
A. 1. a, c, d 7. a, b, c
2. a, c, d 8. a, b, d
3. b. c, d 9. a, b, c
4. a, b, c 10. b .d
5. b .d 11. a .d
6. c, d 12. b. c, d
B. 1. schlingue 7. marrant
2. d o p e 8. mauvais poil
3. dingue 9. baraque
4. nana 10. pom m es
5. cailler 11. trouille
6. moutards 12. file
answ ers TO LESSONS 1-10 asf
C. CROSSWORD PUZZLE
D. 1. L 7. E
2. A 8. B
3. K 9. C
4. J 10. F
5. D 11. I
6. G 12. H
B. 1. cinglé 7. chouchou
2. potasser, étendre 8. potaches
3. p rof 9. calée, maths
4. déboiser, m elon 10. m éganote
5. fiche, paquet 11. séché
6. plancher, galerie
C. 1. a 7. b
2. c 8. a
3. a 9. c
4. b 10. a
5. c 11. b
6. b 12. c
A CLOSER LOOK 1:
Practice Using The Present Tense To Indicate Future
A. 1. On s’voit d ’main, alors?
2. J’te I’donne après l’déjeuner.
3. On I’fait plus tard.
4. On en discute dem ain.
5. J ’te la présente à la soirée.
6. Y te Trend ce soir.
7. J ’viens t’chercher à 8h.
8. Ce soir, è lui fait une grande surprise.
9. C’t’après-midi, on fête ton anniversaire.
10. J ’te passe un coup d ’fil dem ain.
B. 1- E 7. B
2. L 8. G
3. I 9. H
4. C 10. D
5. K 11. J
6. F 12. A
C. 1. b 7. a
2. a 8. a
3. b 9. a
4. a 10. a
5. b 11. b
6. b 12. b
B. 1- a 7. b C. 1. E 6. 1
2. a 8. a 2. H 7. B
3. a 9. b 3. A 8. C
4. a 10. b 4. G 9. D
5. b 11. a 5. F
6. b 12. a
A. 1. D 6. F
2. E 7. H
3. B 8. I
4. A 9. G
5. C 10. J
B. CROSSWORD PUZZLE
xso ANSWERS TO LESSONS M o
C. 1. b 5. b
2. a 6. b
3. b 7. c
4. c 8. a
3. Arrête, quoi!
6. Partons, quoi!
B. 1. crève 6. éponges
2. battant 7. rond
3. pageot 8. salade
4. fichu 9. tangente
5. clam sé 10. corbuche
y^SWERS TO LESSONS 1-10 asx
c. 1- c
2. a
3. c
4. a
5. b
6. a
7. c
8. a
A CLOSER LOOK I:
Praetiee The Omission of tfco Possossfvo AdfeeHve
A. 1. G ratte-luil’cou.
2. Essuie-toi I’m enton.
3. Brosse-moi les cheveux.
4. Arrache-m oi la dent.
5. Touche-lui l’épaule.
6. Tiens-m oi l’bras.
7. Serre-m oi la main.
8. Lave-toi la figure.
B. 1. Y m ’touche l’épaule.
2. Je lui ai gratté l’cou.
3. Je lui ai cassé l’bras.
4. È m ’a pincé l’nez.
5. Je lui peigne les cheveux.
6. Le dentiste, y lui a arraché les dents.
7. È m ’a caressé la joue.
8. Q ue ça m ’fend l’cœur!
9. J’m e brosse les dents.
10. È s’m aquille les yeux.
11. È lui m aquille les yeux.
12. Y lui a chuchoté à l’oreille.
asx ANSWERS TO LESSONS M o
A CLOSER LOOK:
Practice Offering and Asking fo r Favors
A. 1. Tiens-m oi ça. 6.
2. Porte-lui c ’manteau. 7.
3. O uv’-lui la porte. 8.
4. Soulève-m oi la valise. 9.
5. Vérifie-nous cette liste. 10. Répare-nous la voiture.
1. vache 6. chien
2. fnt 7. barrer
3. chapeau 8. pioneer
4. cossard 9. chaussette
5. pognon 10. cordes
B. 1. D 6. E
2. A 7. F
3. 1 8. H
4. B 9. J
5. C 10. G
a n s w e r s t o le sso n s 1-10 Z33
c. CROSSWORD PUZZLE
D. 1. a 6. c
2. b 7. c
3. a 8. a
4. a 9. b
5. c 10. a
APPENDIX
-Dictations-
Leçon Un
n Flotte Eneoref
(It's raining again!)
Leçon Deux
Quet Baui’Boui!
(What a dive!)
Leçon Trois
On a Piqué Ma Téloehe!
(Someone swiped my television!)
1. T ’as I'air le t r iv é .
1. Tu as l’air lesrivé.
Leçon Quatre
Leçon Cinq
Le Grande Boum
(The big bash)
L eço n S ix
Lc Chouchou du P rof
(The teacher’s pet)
Leçon Sept
La Vie de Cossard
(The life o f a lazy bum)
L eço n H u it
Dans te Ztne
On the airplane)
L eço n N e u f
Un Cot^ de Fit
(A telephone call)
Leçon Dix
J’ai la Crève!
( I ’m sick!)
baUe
-A- See page: 27
à deux doigts de (être) baraque
S eep a g e: 157 See page: 48
apéro battant
See page: 2 7 S eep a g e: 193
arnaquer beau-dab
See page: 135 See page: 69
arriver à faire quelque chose beauf
S eep a g e: 157 See page: 69
attraper la crève bclle-doche
S eep a g e: 193 See page: 70
belle/beau
S eep a g e: 194
balancer blase
See page: 136 S eep a ge: 194
>45
Z46 GLOSSARY
cailler
S eep a g e: I I S See page: 5
boudin carburer
S e e p a g e : 175 S e e p a g e : 158
bouffe
See page: 5 See page: 6
chouette
“C ” See page: 91
cinoche
S eep a g e: 137
-D-
dans la poche (être)
Seepage: 176
S eep a g e: 194
dans les cordes de quelqu’un
(être)
Seepage: 6 S eep a g e: 177
corbuche dégoiser
S eep a g e: 177
S eep a g e: 195
défanter
conard
See page; 92
S eep a g e: 137
dénicher
coup do fu d l (être le ) S eep a g e: 163
See page: 2 9
descendre
cradingue See page: 138
See page: 2 9 déveine (avoir la )
S eep a g e: 160
cuidncr
See page: 50 See page; 92
X48 GLOSSARY
fiche
Seepage: 118
écUper (s’) fiche comme de sa première
See page: 138 chaussette (s’en)
écoper Seepage: 178
See page: 50 n ie r
See page: 30
enQler des perles
See page: 139 fiston
See page: 72
engueuler
See page: 71 fUcaUle
See page: 51
frangin
Seepage: 118
See page: 73
fric
See page: 7
-F *
fringué(e) (être mal/bien)
faire de la bile (se) See page: 93
See page: 92
M t (e ) (être)
faire la gueule Seepage: 119
See page: 72
faire le/la
See page: 72 •G "
farfouiller galerie
Seepage: 160 Seepage: 119
goinfrer (se)
See page: 30
gonze lézarder
S eep a g e: 119 S eep a g e: 140
grenouiller louper
See page: 93 S eep a ge: 161
gueule lourde
See page: 94 See page: 52
gueuleton
See page: 8
guibolles -M-
See page: 178 magner le derche (se)
guigne S eepa ge: 161
histoire mater
See page: 51 See page: 95
See page: 52
-I- méganote
itou See page: 120
iacter merlan
See page: 161 See page: 121
sso GLOSSARY
placard
See pa ge: 53
plancher
See page: 95 S e e p a g e : 122
nickel planquer
See page: 3 0 See page: 53
plombe
S e e p a g e : 141
-P- plumard
pageot See pa ge: 53
S e e p a g e : 196
paquet Seepage: 14 1
S eep a g e: 122
pointer (se)
passer sur le billard See page: 31
S e e p a g e : 196
poireauter
paumer S e e p a g e : 162
S e e p a g e : 162
poivrot
payer une tranche (s*en) See page: 31
See page: 73
potache
peinturlurer S e e p a g e : 122
S e e p a g e : 178
potasser
perdre la boule S e e p a g e : 123
See page: 96 pourlécher les badigoinces
piaf (c’en)
See page: 9 See page: 32
picoler première (d e )
S e e p a g e : 31 See page: 32
STREET FRENCH It THE BEST OF FRENCH SLANG
“S*
sado (être)
See page: 123
quand les poulet auront des
dents saié(e) (être)
S eepage: 142
See page: 179
salut
See page: 54
-R- saucée
See page; 9
radiner
See page: 54
schlinguer
S eep a ge: 97
régaler
sécher
See page: 32
S eepage; 123
régulière
semer quelqu’un
See page: 74
S eep a ge: 143
S e e p a g e : 179
See page: 143
reprendre le collier
signer un bail
S e e p a g e : 141
See page: 74
requiuqué(e)
soupS (en avoir)
S eep a g e: 197
S eep a g e: 179
rester baba (en ) survoltd(e) (btre)
S eep a g e: 142
See page: 74
reste
See page: 32
téloche type
See page: 55 See page: 163
temps de chien
S eep a g e: 10
thune -u-
See page: 143 ua 0^ qui foue qui dit sat à
UH i’autre (av o ir)
See page: 124 See page: 124
tignasse uudecetquat*
Seepage: 180 S e e p a g e : 197
timbréCe) (être)
See page: 180
See page: 98
tranche-lard z’gonde
S eep a g e: 197 See page: 33
tronche zieuter
See page: 180 S e e p a g e : 124
AMERICAN-ENGLISH CASSETTE
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STREET FRENCH I is the first in a series of slang/idiom books that
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Entertaining dialogues, word games and drills, crossword puzzles,
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D A V ID B U R K E is also the author of STR EET FRENCH 2:
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