ringard
/ʁɛ̃.ɡaʁ/
The French word for dork is ringard.
ringard is used to describe a person who is quirky, silly, socially inept or out of touch with contemporary trends. It can also be used to describe things that are uncool or outdated.
Meaning: a quirky, silly, or stupid socially inept person, or one who is out of touch with contemporary trends (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ringard can refer to a person (a dork), it is also frequently used to describe objects or ideas that are old-fashioned or out of date.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ringard is an informal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, ringard has a feminine form, ringarde, which is used to agree with a feminine subject.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʁɛ̃.ɡaʁ/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The suffix -ard in ringard often creates derogatory terms in French, such as vantard for a braggart or chauffard for a reckless driver.
- While ringard describes someone out of touch, the word has-been is often used by French speakers in a similar way to describe someone who is no longer relevant.
- In France, calling someone ringard can be a playful tease between friends, but using it toward a superior is considered a significant social faux pas.
Examples in context
- Je ne veux pas passer pour un ringard.I don't want to look like a dork.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire not to appear like a ringard.Tatoeba #11935971 by lbdx, translation #3724473 by CM
- J'espère que personne ne fera l'imbécile pendant la réunion.I hope nobody will act like a dork during the meeting.
- Arrête de porter ces vieux vêtements, tu as l'air vraiment ringard !Stop wearing those old clothes, you look really dorky!
- Il est un peu ringard avec ses vêtements.He is a bit of a dork with his clothes.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are looking at an old fashion magazine.
- NathanRegarde ce style, c'est vraiment ringard !Look at this style, it's really dorky!
- ChloéTu n'es pas si ringard que ça, Nathan.You're not that much of a dork, Nathan.
- NathanC'est vrai ? Je me sens ridicule.Is that true? I feel ridiculous.
- ChloéNe t'inquiète pas, tu es très élégant.Don't worry, you are very elegant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ringard, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
