cul
/ky/
The French word cul means ass or butt.
cul is a vulgar term used to refer to a person's buttocks.
Which one should you use?
While cul is vulgar, you should use fesses to refer to the buttocks in a neutral or non-vulgar way. If you want a standard term, use le postérieur. For a playful or affectionate way to say bottom, you can use le popotin or use the colloquial expression Les miches.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
cul is highly vulgar and should be avoided in polite or formal conversation. For standard situations, use le postérieur. For neutral situations, use fesses. For informal or playful contexts, you may use le popotin or Les miches.
How do you pronounce it?
/ky/
Did you know?
- The phrase avoir le cul bordé de nouilles describes someone who is incredibly lucky. It literally translates to 'to have the ass bordered with noodles'.
- The English word 'cul-de-sac' uses the French word cul to mean 'bottom of the sack', referring to the dead end of a street.
- Calling someone a cul-de-poule is not an insult to their anatomy, but a term for a specific shape of a mixing bowl used in French kitchens.
Examples in context
- J'ai mal au cul après la course.My butt hurts after the run.
Example conversation
Two friends are complaining after a long hike.
- HugoJ'ai vraiment mal au cul.My butt really hurts.
- EmmaMoi aussi, c'est fatigant.Me too, it's tiring.
- HugoOn devrait s'asseoir bientôt.We should sit down soon.
- EmmaOui, vite.Yes, quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cul, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cul, CC BY-SA 4.0.
