légume
/le.ɡym/
The English phrase "couch potato" can be translated into French as légume. Wiktionary also lists pantouflard and télézard.
Meaning: person (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| légume | /le.ɡym/ | |
| pantouflard | /pɑ̃.tu.flaʁ/ | |
| télézard | /te.le.zaʁ/ | Quebec |
Which one should you use?
In Quebec, you might use the portmanteau télézard, which combines télévision (television) and lézard (lizard).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, you can use télézard to refer to a couch potato. Additionally, the terms pantouflard and pantoufleuse are used in Quebec to describe this type of person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pantouflard can function as both a noun and an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
légume is pronounced /le.ɡym/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, légume can be used to describe a couch potato or someone in a vegetative state who cannot communicate. It is a much harsher term than the English 'couch potato'.
- The term pantouflard comes from the word pantoufle, meaning 'slipper', implying a person who is so comfortable at home that they never take their slippers off.
- The term pantouflard uses the suffix '-ard', which in French is often used to create nouns or adjectives that carry a slightly pejorative or derogatory tone.
Examples in context
- Robert, quel pantouflard, il ne veut pas sortir avec nous en boîte !Robert's such a couch potato, he doesn't want to go to the club with us!The sentence shows how to use pantouflard to describe someone who refuses to go out to a club.
- Marie est une vraie fainéante, elle passe ses journées sur son canapé à regarder la télévision.Marie is a true couch potato, she spends her days on her couch watching television.
- Jean est un glandeur professionnel, il refuse tout type d'effort physique.Jean is a professional couch potato, he avoids any kind of physical effort.
- Ne sois pas un légume, viens faire du sport avec moi !Don't be a couch potato, come exercise with me!
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are talking in their living room on a Sunday afternoon.
- ChloéGabriel, tu es un vrai légume aujourd'hui !Gabriel, you are a real couch potato today!
- GabrielC'est vrai, je n'ai pas envie de bouger.It's true, I don't feel like moving.
- ChloéOn devrait sortir prendre l'air un peu.We should go out to get some fresh air.
- GabrielD'accord, mais seulement après ce film.Okay, but only after this movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “couch potato” translations and entries légume, pantouflard, télézard, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
