clebs
slang
The common slang word for a dog in French is clebs. You also hear cabot, and children say toutou. It is also called chien.
Meaning: dog (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| clebs | slang |
| cabot | slang |
| toutou | child talk, playful |
| chien | standard |
Toutou is baby talk and is used by or with small children. Clebs and cabot are casual and can sound a bit rough, depending on tone.
Which one should you use?
The standard word is chien and it is the one to use in writing, at work and with strangers.
How do you pronounce it?
Clebs is said "klehps" and chien is said "shyan".
Did you know?
- French children use toutou for a dog, and the word can also mean a stuffed toy dog.
Examples in context
- Mon clebs adore la plage.My dog loves the beach.
- Regarde le toutou !Look at the doggy!
- Nous avons un chien de dix ans.We have a ten-year-old dog.
Example conversation
Théo walks his dog and meets his neighbor Louise.
- LouiseIl est beau, ton chien !Your dog is handsome!
- ThéoMerci, mon clebs est un peu fou.Thanks, my dog is a bit crazy.
- LouiseIl a quel âge ?How old is he?
- ThéoTrois ans.Three years old.
