chiant
The phrase boring and annoying in French is translated as chiant.
The term chiant is used to describe something or someone that is both boring and annoying.
Which one should you use?
While chiant means both boring and annoying, the colloquial term barbant is used specifically to mean boring.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
chiant is a slang term that is considered vulgar or highly informal. In contrast, barbant is a colloquial term.
Did you know?
- The adjective chiant is derived from the verb chier, which is a vulgar way to say 'to defecate'.
- To express that someone is being particularly annoying, a speaker might use the phrase il me fait chier, which literally translates to 'he makes me shit'.
- While chiant is vulgar, it is so common in casual French that it is often used by young adults to describe something as simply 'tedious' without intending to be particularly offensive.
Examples in context
- Ce film est vraiment chiant.This movie is really boring and annoying.
- Son nouveau travail a l'air chiant.His new job sounds boring and annoying.
- C'est un trajet chiant et long.It is a boring and annoying commute.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are stuck in a long line.
- LucasLa queue ne bouge pas, c'est chiant.The line isn't moving, it's boring and annoying.
- ChloéOui, on est là depuis une heure.Yes, we've been here for an hour.
- LucasJe n'en peux plus, c'est trop chiant.I can't take it anymore, it's too annoying.
- ChloéPatience, Lucas, on y est presque.Patience, Lucas, we are almost there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chiant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
