fesses
/fɛs/
The English phrase "bum" (referring to buttocks) is translated into French as fesses.
The word fesses is used to refer to the buttocks.
Meaning: informal: butt(ocks) specifically (noun)
Which one should you use?
While fesses is a standard way to refer to the buttocks, other terms carry different weights: le derrière is a polite or euphemistic way to say "the backside" and le cul is a much more vulgar and aggressive slang term for "the ass".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to be more polite, you can use le derrière. Avoid using the slang term le cul in polite company as it is quite vulgar.
How does it change in a sentence?
fesses is the plural form. If you are referring to a single buttock, use the singular form une fesse.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛs/
Did you know?
- The word cul is the root of the expression cul-de-sac, which English speakers use to mean a dead-end street, but it literally translates to 'bottom of a sack'.
- While fesses is a standard term, French children often use the word popotin as a cute or childish way to say 'bum' or 'bottom'.
- The vulgar word cul is used in the phrase être à cul sec, which means to drink a beverage in one single gulp without stopping.
Examples in context
- Elle a des fesses musclées.She has muscular buttocks.
- Je me suis fait mal aux fesses.I hurt my butt.
- Il a de grosses fesses.He has big buttocks.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are at the gym.
- HugoTu as fait des squats pour tes fesses ?Did you do squats for your butt?
- ManonOui, Hugo, je travaille mes fesses souvent.Yes, Hugo, I work my butt often.
- HugoÇa se voit vraiment sur toi.It really shows on you.
- ManonMerci, c'est gentil de dire ça.Thanks, that is kind of you to say.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fesses, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
