mauvais garçon
The English phrase "bad boy" is translated into French as mauvais garçon.
Mauvais garçon is used to describe a man or boy who behaves badly or breaks the rules. While the phrase can be used literally for a child, in an adult context it often carries a connotation of being a rebel or a troublemaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective mauvais (bad) and the noun garçon (boy).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, add an s to both the adjective and the noun, resulting in mauvais garçons.
Did you know?
- The word garçon shares a surprising ancestor with the English word 'wretch'. Both words trace back to a Proto-Germanic term meaning an 'exile' or 'driven one'.
- In a cafe, calling a server garçon is now considered outdated or even rude in France, though mauvais garçon retains its meaning as a rebel.
- In French, while mauvais garçon is a common phrase, the term canaille is sometimes used as a more colorful noun to describe a 'rascal' or 'bad boy'.
Examples in context
- C'est un mauvais garçon.He is a bad boy.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is a mauvais garçon.Tatoeba #4706410 by sacredceltic, translation #288995 by CK
- Ne sois pas un mauvais garçon.Don't be a bad boy.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to be a mauvais garçon.Tatoeba #13887 by dominiko, translation #28660 by CK
- Ce n'est pas un mauvais garçon.He's not a bad boy.Tatoeba #1890083 by sacredceltic, translation #1887028 by Spamster
- Je ne veux pas sortir avec ce vaurien , il est trop imprévisible.I don't want to date that scoundrel, he's too unpredictable.
- Ne l'invite pas, c'est un véritable enfant terrible .Don't invite him, he's a real troublemaker.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is talking to Nathan about his rebellious behavior.
- EmmaTu as encore fait une bêtise, Nathan.You did something naughty again, Nathan.
- NathanJe ne fais que m'amuser.I'm just having fun.
- EmmaTu te comportes comme un mauvais garçon.You are behaving like a bad boy.
- NathanC'est ça qui est drôle !That's what's funny!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries garçon, mauvais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
