mince
/mɛ̃s/
The English phrase "darn it" can be translated into French as mince.
The expression mince is a common and mild way to express annoyance, similar to saying "darn it" or "shoot" in English.
Which one should you use?
While mince is a mild and socially acceptable expression, it is much less vulgar than the word merde, which means "shit".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mince is an informal but polite euphemism used to express frustration without using profanity. For a more intense expression of frustration or annoyance, you might use Bon sang !, which can be translated as "darn it" or "for heaven's sake".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the phrase Tabarnak ! is used to express strong frustration or anger, but it is considered vulgar.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛ̃s/
Did you know?
- In English, 'mince' means to chop food, but in French, the word mince can actually be used as an adjective to describe something 'slender' or 'thin'.
- The word mince is a 'minced oath', a way of softening a vulgar word by changing its sound. It acts as a linguistic shield to avoid saying merde in polite company.
- Because mince is so mild, using it in a high-tension argument might actually make you sound more annoyed or condescending than using a stronger swear word.
Examples in context
- Mince !Darn it!This example shows how to use mince as an exclamation.Tatoeba #1359874 by al_ex_an_der, translation #620639 by Liface
- Mince, j'ai renversé mon verre !Darn it, I spilled my drink!
- Mince, j'ai oublié mes clés.Darn it, I forgot my keys.
- Oh mince, le train est déjà parti.Oh darn it, the train has already left.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are looking for a lost earring in the living room.
- EmmaMince, je ne trouve pas ma boucle d'oreille.Darn it, I can't find my earring.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'elle est sous le canapé, Emma ?Is it under the sofa, Emma?
- EmmaNon, elle n'est pas là.No, it is not there.
- GabrielC'est embêtant.That's annoying.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mince, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mince, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
