flambeur
In French, the term for 'baller' is flambeur.
A flambeur refers to a person who spends a lot of money to show off their wealth and luxury.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term flambeur is informal and carries a slightly judgmental or mocking connotation regarding someone's lack of financial restraint.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is gendered, using the masculine form flambeur for a man and the feminine form flambeuse for a woman.
Did you know?
- The root flambe is also found in the word flamboyant, which entered English from French to describe both ornate architecture and an ostentatious personality.
- Unlike the English 'baller', which is tied to basketball and athletic success, flambeur has no connection to sports and focuses entirely on the act of spending.
- The word flambeur is derived from the verb flamber, which literally means 'to flame' or 'to blaze'.
Examples in context
- C'est un vrai flambeur avec sa voiture de sport.He is a real baller with his sports car.
- Je ne veux pas passer pour un flambeur.I don't want to look like a baller.
- Ce flambeur a acheté une montre très chère.That baller bought a very expensive watch.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are talking about a wealthy acquaintance at a party.
- EmmaRegarde ce flambeur avec ses bijoux en or.Look at that baller with his gold jewelry.
- GabrielIl aime vraiment attirer l'attention.He really loves attracting attention.
- EmmaC'est fatigant de le voir s'exhiber ainsi.It's tiring to see him show off like that.
- GabrielOui, il est très excentrique.Yes, he is very eccentric.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries flambeur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
