couilles
vulgar, slang
The usual French slang for "balls" is couilles. Burnes and roubignoles mean the same and are just as crude.
Meaning: testicles (vulgar slang) (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| couilles | vulgar, slang |
| burnes | vulgar, slang |
| roubignoles | vulgar, humorous |
These words are vulgar and fit casual talk with friends only. In polite speech people use testicules.
Which one should you use?
Avoir des couilles means "to have guts". Avoir les boules is a different expression meaning to feel anxious or upset.
How does it change in a sentence?
Couilles is feminine and almost always plural: des couilles, mes couilles.
How do you pronounce it?
Couilles sounds like "kooy". The ll is a "y" sound.
Did you know?
- The French word couillon for a fool comes from couille, and in some regions it is mild enough to be said with a smile.
Examples in context
- Il a des couilles de sauter de si haut.He has guts to jump from so high.
- Ça me casse les couilles.That really annoys me.
- Ne t'inquiète pas, ça va aller.Do not worry, it will be fine.
Example conversation
Hugo and his friend Théo joke about a cliff jump at a lake near Annecy.
- HugoTu sautes?Are you jumping?
- ThéoIl faut avoir des couilles pour ça!You need guts for that!
- HugoAllez, je saute le premier.Fine, I will jump first.
