Moi, moche et méchant
Despicable Me in French is Moi, moche et méchant, the title of the animated film in France.
Use this title when talking about the film or its sequels in French.
What does it mean word for word?
Moi means me, moche means ugly and méchant means mean or nasty. The title reads literally as me, ugly and mean.
Which one should you use?
The French title does not translate despicable word for word. It plays on the main character being both ugly and nasty.
Did you know?
- In French, the word méchant can be used affectionately to describe a child who is being 'naughty' rather than truly evil.
- The word méchant comes from a root meaning 'to misfall' or 'to happen unfavourably', connecting a person's character to the concept of bad luck.
- The term moche is quite informal and carries a punchier, more colloquial tone than the standard word for ugly, laid.
Examples in context
- C'est l'histoire de Moi, moche et méchant.It is the story of Despicable Me.
- Tu as vu le film Moi, moche et méchant ?Have you seen the movie Despicable Me?
- J'adore les personnages de Moi, moche et méchant.I love the characters from Despicable Me.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking about movies to watch.
- HugoOn regarde Moi, moche et méchant ?Shall we watch Despicable Me?
- ChloéOui, c'est une excellente idée !Yes, that is a great idea!
- HugoJe vais chercher le DVD.I'll go get the DVD.
- ChloéD'accord, je prépare le popcorn.Okay, I'll prepare the popcorn.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, moche, moi, méchant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
