bouffe
/buf/feminine
The French word for "chow" is bouffe.
bouffe is a slang term used to refer to food, especially snacks.
Meaning: ''(slang)'' food, especially snacks (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bouffe is an informal noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
bouffe is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/buf/
Did you know?
- The term bouffe is borrowed from the Italian word buffo, which originally referred to a comic or clownish character.
- The verb form bouffer is frequently used to describe animals eating greedily, which adds a certain 'animalistic' connotation to the slang.
- The verb bouffer can mean 'to eat' in slang, but it also means 'to take up' or 'to consume' space and time.
Examples in context
- La bouffe est excellente ici.The food is excellent here.
- Il y a de la bonne bouffe.There is some good food.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- NathanTu veux chercher de la bouffe ?Do you want to look for some food?
- ManonOui, j'ai très faim, Nathan.Yes, I am very hungry, Nathan.
- NathanOn commande une pizza ?Shall we order a pizza?
- ManonBonne idée, je commande tout de suite.Good idea, I'll order right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chow” translations and entries bouffe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bouffe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
