Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mec | /mɛk/ | masculine |
| type | /tip/ | masculine |
The word mec is a colloquial way to say "man" or "guy". Similar to the English "dude", it can be used as a term of address to speak directly to a friend or as an interjection to add emphasis to a statement. Another option for "guy" is gars, which can also be used to address someone casually.
Which one should you use?
While both mec and type can mean "guy", mec is more slangy and more commonly used in casual speech than type.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mec is an informal slang term. You should avoid using it in formal settings, such as when speaking to a boss or a stranger.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of France, the term type is used to refer to a person informally.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mec is mecs.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using mec in formal settings, such as with a boss or a stranger, as it is strictly informal slang.
Did you know?
- The slang term mec actually has a rather scandalous history, as it is believed to be a shortening of maquereau, which means 'pimp'.
- While mec is used for a 'guy', the feminine equivalent often used in similar slang contexts is meuf, which is femme spelled backwards.
- In very casual French, mec can be used to describe a romantic boyfriend, similar to how English speakers might say 'my guy'.
Examples in context
- Quoi de neuf, mec ?'Sup, dude?This sentence shows how to use mec as a term of address in a greeting.Tatoeba #10105856 by Micsmithel, translation #10059148 by espamatics
- Comment ça va, mec ?What's up, dude?This sentence demonstrates a casual way to ask how someone is doing using mec.Tatoeba #1806751 by sacredceltic, translation #1806291 by Spamster
- Elle est canon, mec !Dude, she's hot!This sentence shows how mec can be used as an interjection for emphasis.Tatoeba #483522 by qdii, translation #483523 by FeuDRenais
- Salut mec, ça va ?Hi dude, how are you?
- Hé pote, tu viens avec nous ce soir ?Hey buddy, are you coming with us tonight?
- J'ai rencontré un gars sympa aujourd'hui.I met a cool guy today.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are chatting in a cafe.
- ManonT'as vu ce mec là-bas ?Did you see that dude over there?
- LucasLequel ? Je ne vois personne.Which one? I don't see anyone.
- ManonLe mec avec le chapeau rouge !The dude with the red hat!
- LucasAh oui, il a un style bizarre.Oh yes, he has a weird style.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dude” translations and entries mec, type, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mec, type, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
