racaille
/ʁa.kaj/
The English phrase "chav" can be translated into French as racaille.
racaille is an informal and highly derogatory term used to describe a person or group of people, often implying they are from a working-class background, poorly educated and aggressive. It is frequently translated as "scum" or "rabble."
Meaning: relating to a youth from a working class background, aggressive with poor education (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
racaille is an informal term that carries a strong social stigma and is considered highly derogatory.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun racaille is a collective noun. Although it refers to a group of people, it is typically used in the singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁa.kaj/
Did you know?
- In French political history, the word racaille became a massive national controversy in 2005 when President Jacques Chirac used it to describe youth in the suburbs during civil unrest.
- The word racaille is a close linguistic relative of the English word 'rascal'. Both words share a common ancestor that refers to something scraped or rubbed off, like filth or dregs.
- Despite its derogatory meaning, the term racaille can sometimes be reclaimed by youth in French urban music and rap to signal street credibility.
Examples in context
- Cette racaille traîne souvent devant le lycée.That chav often hangs around in front of the high school.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are watching a group of loud teenagers from a balcony.
- LucasRegarde ces jeunes, c'est de la racaille.Look at those kids, they are chavs.
- ManonOui, ils sont très agressifs aujourd'hui.Yes, they are very aggressive today.
- LucasIls crient tout le temps dans la rue.They are always shouting in the street.
- ManonC'est fatigant d'entendre cette racaille.It is tiring to hear those chavs.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry racaille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries racaille, CC BY-SA 4.0.
