menteur compulsif
The English phrase "compulsive liar" is menteur compulsif in French.
This phrase describes a person who lies habitually and uncontrollably, often without a clear motive.
Which one should you use?
You may also use mythomane to refer to a mythomaniac or someone with a pathological tendency to lie. The term Mytho is a shortened version of mythomane used to refer to someone who constantly tells lies. For a more formal context, you can use Menteur pathologique to mean "pathological liar".
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is menteuse compulsive. To form the masculine plural, both the noun and the adjective take an 's', resulting in menteurs compulsifs.
Did you know?
- The word menteur is derived from the Latin mentior, but it shares a distant linguistic root with the English word 'mind', as both relate to the mental faculty.
- In French, a mythomane is specifically viewed as someone who believes their own fabrications, whereas a menteur is conscious of the deception.
- While English uses 'cheat' for both lying and breaking game rules, French strictly separates a menteur from a tricheur, who only cheats at games or tests.
Examples in context
- Il est connu pour être un menteur pathologique.He is known to be a compulsive liar.
- Tu le connais, c'est un mytho depuis toujours !You know him, he's been a mytho forever!
- Elle présente souvent des signes de mensonge compulsif.She often exhibits signs of compulsive lying.
- Elle est vraiment une mythomane !She's really a compulsive liar!
- Je ne peux pas sortir avec un menteur compulsif.I cannot date a compulsive liar.
- Il agit comme un menteur compulsif depuis son enfance.He has acted like a compulsive liar since his childhood.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing a mutual acquaintance at a cafe.
- LéaTu crois encore à ses histoires ?Do you still believe his stories?
- HugoNon, c'est un menteur compulsif.No, he is a compulsive liar.
- LéaC'est triste pour lui.That is sad for him.
- HugoOui, il a un vrai problème.Yes, he has a real problem.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compulsif, menteur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
