reine du drame
The English phrase 'drama queen' can be translated into French as reine du drame.
The term is used to describe an exaggeratedly dramatic person. While reine du drame refers to the individual, the colloquial idiom faire tout un plat is often used to describe the dramatic behavior itself, meaning to make a big deal out of something.
Meaning: exaggeratedly dramatic person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase reine du drame is a literal translation of 'queen of the drama'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you wish to be more formal, you can use the expression personne exagérément théâtrale to refer to an excessively theatrical person.
Did you know?
- In French culture, calling someone a reine du drame is often seen as an anglicism, as the phrase mimics the structure of the English 'drama queen'.
- The word drame in French is often reserved for serious, heavy tragedies, whereas in English 'drama' can refer to anything from soap operas to minor social conflicts.
- The Ancient Greek root of drame is δρᾶμα, which originally meant 'action' or 'doing' rather than a staged play.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are talking about a friend's reaction to a small problem.
- ChloéTu as vu comment elle a réagi ?Did you see how she reacted?
- NathanOui, c'est incroyable pour un petit retard.Yes, it's unbelievable for a short delay.
- ChloéElle est vraiment une reine du drame.She really is a drama queen.
- NathanC'est vrai, elle exagère toujours tout.That's true, she always exaggerates everything.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries drame, du, reine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
