gros mot
/ɡʁo mo/
The English phrase "cuss word" is translated into French as gros mot.
A gros mot refers to an offensive or rude word used to express anger or strong emotion. For example, the word Merde translates to "sh*t" in English and Putain is a widely used cuss word with a meaning similar to the English "f*ck" or "sh*t". If you want to say "to swear" or "to use cuss words", the common verbal phrase is dire des gros mots. If you want a milder, informal way to express frustration without being vulgar, you can use the popular phrase Zut alors, which is similar to saying "darn it" or "oh shoot".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase gros mot is composed of gros meaning "big" or "fat" and mot meaning "word".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While gros mot is the standard term, juron is a more formal or technical term used to refer to a single expletive or oath.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, tabarnak is a highly offensive cuss word often used to express frustration.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "cuss words", add an s to both parts of the phrase to get gros mots.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡʁo mo/
Did you know?
- In Quebec, many of the most powerful cuss words, such as tabarnak, are actually names of religious objects like the 'tabernacle'.
- French speakers often use putain not just as a cuss word, but as a linguistic filler similar to 'like' or 'um' in English.
- The word mot in gros mot traces back to the Late Latin word muttum, which refers to a 'muttering' or 'noises'. This suggests that, at its roots, a 'word' was seen as mere indistinct noise.
Examples in context
- Il a dit un gros mot.He said a cuss word.
- Je n'aime pas utiliser de gros mots.I don't like using cuss words.
- C'est un gros mot très vulgaire.It is a very vulgar cuss word.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about a movie they just watched.
- LéaLe personnage principal utilise beaucoup de gros mots.The main character uses a lot of cuss words.
- NathanC'est vrai, c'était un peu trop.That's true, it was a bit too much.
- LéaJe trouve que ça manque de naturel.I think it lacks naturalness.
- NathanMoi, je trouve que ça fait réaliste.Me, I think it makes it realistic.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gros mot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gros, gros mot, mot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
