regarder en boucle
To binge watch in French is regarder en boucle.
The phrase regarder en boucle is a common way to express the idea, but be aware that it can also imply watching the same single episode or video repeatedly, rather than many different episodes of a series.
Which one should you use?
For a more formal tone, use Regarder de façon compulsive, which translates to 'To watch compulsively'. In informal settings, you can use Dévorer une série, meaning 'To devour a series'.
When do people say it?
French speakers often use the anglicism binge-watcher to refer to a person who binge watches.
Did you know?
- The word boucle in regarder en boucle originally referred to the 'cheek strap' of a Roman helmet.
- The verb dévorer is often used to describe a high-speed consumption of media, similar to how one 'devours' a book. It conveys a sense of passion and speed that the more technical regarder en boucle lacks.
- In French, the prefix re- in regarder does not always mean 'again', but can simply intensify the action of looking.
Examples in context
- Je vais dévorer la nouvelle saison de cette série ce weekend.I'm going to binge-watch the new season of this series this weekend.
- Elle adore se taper une série après une journée de travail.She loves binge-watching a series after a day of work.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are talking about a new show.
- GabrielTu as vu la nouvelle série sur Netflix ?Have you seen the new series on Netflix?
- ChloéOui, j'ai commencé à la regarder en boucle.Yes, I started binge watching it.
- GabrielC'est vraiment addictive, n'est-ce pas ?It's really addictive, isn't it?
- ChloéOui, je ne peux plus m'arrêter !Yes, I can't stop anymore!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boucle, en, regarder, CC BY-SA 4.0.
