Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| connard | /kɔ.naʁ/ | masculine |
| crétin | /kʁe.tɛ̃/ | |
| con | /kɔ̃/ |
These terms are used as slang to describe a person who is a jerk or an idiot. Connard specifically functions as an informal way to call someone a jerk or an asshole.
Which one should you use?
While all these terms can be used to insult someone, they have different nuances. Connard targets a person's unpleasant character. In contrast, con is more frequently used to describe someone's stupidity or a foolish mistake.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The terms provided are informal and can be offensive or vulgar. Connard is considered vulgar and offensive, while crétin is derogatory and offensive.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a group of people, use the plural form cons.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ.naʁ/
When do people say it?
Adding Espèce de before the insult is a common way to add emphasis, similar to saying 'You absolute [insult]!' in English.
Did you know?
- The word crétin has a surprising link to the word 'Christian'. It likely originated from a dialectal term for a 'Christian man', used to describe the simple or unfortunate people of the Alpine regions.
- The suffix -ard in connard is often used in French to create derogatory terms by emphasizing a negative trait.
Examples in context
- Espèce de connard !Douchebag!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use connard as an emphatic exclamation.Tatoeba #7956616 by Micsmithel, translation #7632229 by shekitten
- C'est juste un crétin prétentieux.He's just a pretentious douchebag.This sentence shows how to use crétin to describe someone's personality.Tatoeba #2196303 by sacredceltic, translation #2195300 by Hybrid
- Quel connard ! Il n'a aucune considération pour les autres.What a jerk! He has no consideration for others.
- Ce trouducul pense tout savoir sur tout.This asshole thinks he knows everything about everything.
- Ce mec est un vrai connard.This guy is a real jerk.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing a rude person at a party.
- LéaTu as vu comment il a parlé à la serveuse ?Did you see how he spoke to the waitress?
- NathanOui, quel connard !Yes, what a jerk!
- LéaIl est vraiment insupportable.He is really unbearable.
- NathanOn devrait partir d'ici.We should leave here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “douchebag” translations and entries connard, crétin, con, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, connard, crétin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
