caca de chien
The English phrase "dog poop" is translated into French as caca de chien.
The phrase refers to the waste matter discharged from the body of a dog.
Which one should you use?
While caca de chien is a common way to refer to the waste, crotte de chien is a very common alternative that is slightly more specific to the small 'droppings' found on a sidewalk. For a more lighthearted tone, you can use crotte de toutou, which translates to "poo of a puppy".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Caca de chien is an informal expression commonly used by children or in casual settings. If you need to be formal or clinical, use excréments de chien (dog excrement) or excréments canins (canine excrement).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word caca is a singular noun. Even if there are multiple pieces of poop, the phrase caca de chien is often used as a mass noun or a general descriptor.
Did you know?
- The word caca comes from the Latin verb cacāre, which means 'to defecate' or 'to shit'.
- While caca is used for dogs, it is also the universal term French children use for their own bathroom needs.
- The term excréments canins is used on official city signs and municipal laws to maintain a clinical and authoritative tone.
Examples in context
- Les excréments canins peuvent représenter un problème de santé publique.Canine excrement can pose a public health issue.
- Attention, ne marche pas dans le caca de chien!Be careful not to step in the dog poop!
- Fais attention au caca de chien.Watch out for the dog poop.
- Il y a du caca de chien sur le trottoir.There is dog poop on the sidewalk.
- Je déteste ramasser le caca de chien.I hate picking up dog poop.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are walking in the park.
- GabrielAttention, Chloé ! Regarde où tu marches.Watch out, Chloé! Look where you're walking.
- ChloéQu'est-ce qu'il y a ?What is it?
- GabrielIl y a du caca de chien juste devant toi.There is dog poop right in front of you.
- ChloéOh non, merci de m'avoir prévenue, Gabriel.Oh no, thanks for warning me, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caca, chien, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
