timbré
/tɛ̃.bʁe/
The English word "batty" can be translated into French as timbré.
timbré is an adjective used to describe someone who is mad, crazy or silly.
Meaning: mad, crazy, silly (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /tɛ̃.bʁe/.
Did you know?
- The word timbré literally means 'stamped'. It refers to the act of putting a postage stamp on a letter, implying that a crazy person has been 'marked' or 'cancelled' like a piece of mail.
- French speakers often use the phrase avoir un grain (to have a grain) to say someone is a bit batty. It suggests there is a tiny pebble or 'grain' of madness in their head.
- French uses the word perché (meaning 'perched' like a bird) to describe someone who is 'spaced out' or 'batty' in a dreamy or eccentric way.
Examples in context
- Il est un peu timbré, ce garçon.This boy is a little bit batty.
- Ne l'écoute pas, elle est complètement timbrée.Don't listen to her, she is totally crazy.
- C'est une idée un peu timbrée, non ?It's a bit of a silly idea, isn't it?
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mutual acquaintance's strange behavior.
- ManonTu as vu son nouveau chapeau ?Did you see his new hat?
- HugoOui, il est vraiment timbré !Yes, he is truly batty!
- ManonIl fait toujours des choses bizarres.He always does weird things.
- HugoC'est un homme très excentrique.He is a very eccentric man.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry timbré, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
