type louche
The English word 'creep' can be translated into French as type louche.
Meaning: to move in a stealthy or secret manner (verb)
Which one should you use?
Depending on the specific type of 'creep' you are describing, other terms may be more precise: Un individu louche refers specifically to a sketchy person, while Un type bizarre describes someone who is a weird guy. If the person is specifically a stalker, use Un harceleur and if they are a pervert, use Un pervers.
Did you know?
- The word louche is also used to describe a drink, like a glass of absinthe, that has become cloudy after adding water.
- The word louche in the phrase type louche originally described someone with a squint or a one-eyed person. It evolved from the Latin luscus to mean 'shady' or 'untrustworthy' because a sideways glance suggests someone is hiding something.
- While 'creep' in English is often used as a noun for a person, in French, the adjective louche is frequently used to describe a situation or a deal rather than just a person. You might say 'un marché louche' to mean a 'shady deal'.
Examples in context
- Je ne veux pas rester seul avec cet individu étrange, il me met mal à l'aise.I don't want to be alone with this creepy person, they make me uncomfortable.
- Il est vraiment creepy ce gars-là, je ne lui fais pas confiance.That guy is really creepy, I don't trust him.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are at a party.
- GabrielRegarde cet homme, il a un type louche.Look at that man, he is acting creepy.
- EmmaOui, il nous observe depuis tout à l'heure.Yes, he has been watching us for a while.
- GabrielJe ne veux pas qu'il s'approche d'Emma.I don't want him to come near Emma.
- EmmaOn devrait changer de place alors.We should change places then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries louche, type, CC BY-SA 4.0.
