casse-pieds
The English phrase "annoying person" can be translated into French as casse-pieds.
casse-pieds is used to describe people who are incredibly bothersome or irritating. You can use it as a noun by saying un casse-pieds to mean "an annoying person".
What does it mean word for word?
The term casse-pieds literally translates to "foot-breakers".
Which one should you use?
Depending on the situation, you might use different terms. Personne agaçante is a neutral and general term, while Chiant(e) is a colloquial adjective used to describe someone or something annoying.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
casse-pieds is colloquial and should be avoided in professional settings or formal writing. For polite conversations and formal situations, use the neutral term Personne agaçante. The adjective Chiant(e) is also colloquial.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term casse-pieds is invariable in number, which means it stays spelled the same whether you are referring to one person or multiple people.
Did you know?
- The phrase casse-pieds is a softened version of an older, more vulgar expression involving the word couilles, meaning 'testicles'.
- The word chiant is derived from the verb chier, which means 'to defecate'.
- In Quebec, the word plate is used to describe someone who is annoying, but it specifically implies they are boring rather than irritating.
Examples in context
- Charlotte est une personne agaçante. Elle ne cesse de poser des questions intrusives.Charlotte is an annoying person. She keeps asking intrusive questions.
- Mon collègue de travail est vraiment pénible. Il est toujours en retard et ne respecte pas les délais.My coworker is really difficult. He is always late and doesn't meet deadlines.
- Je n'aime pas sortir avec lui, il est vraiment casse-pieds.I don't enjoy hanging out with him, he is really bothersome.
- Ce professeur est vraiment chiant ! Je ne supporte pas sa façon d'enseigner.This teacher is really annoying! I can't stand his teaching style.
- J'en ai assez de cet emmerdeur ! Il me cause constamment des problèmes.I've had enough of this troublemaker! He constantly causes me problems.
- Quel casse-pieds, celui-là !What an annoying person, that one!
- C'est un vrai casse-pieds.He is a real pain.
- Ne sois pas un casse-pieds avec elle.Don't be an annoying person to her.
- Ton frère est un peu casse-pieds.Your brother is a bit bothersome.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are talking about a neighbor.
- HugoCe nouveau voisin est un vrai casse-pieds.This new neighbor is a real pain.
- LéaAh bon ? Il est si désagréable ?Oh really? Is he that unpleasant?
- HugoOui, il fait toujours trop de bruit.Yes, he always makes too much noise.
- LéaC'est vraiment pénible.That is really annoying.
