bouffe
/buf/feminine
The French word for "grub" is bouffe.
Bouffe is a common slang term used to refer to "grub" or "food".
Meaning: slang: food (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun bouffe is derived from the informal verb bouffer, which means "to eat".
Which one should you use?
While bouffe is used as slang, the standard, neutral term for "food" is la nourriture. In contrast, the term Victuailles is a formal and slightly old-fashioned synonym, while Ripaille is a colloquial and somewhat outdated way to refer to "grub".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bouffe is an informal slang term. You should avoid using it in professional settings or formal writing. For a more formal approach, you might use Victuailles.
How do you pronounce it?
/buf/
Did you know?
- The slang term bouffe was originally borrowed from the Italian word buffo, which refers to a comic or clownish character.
- French has a specific slang term bouffer du pain noir, which literally means 'to eat black bread' but is used idiomatically to describe enduring a very difficult or miserable period of life.
- While bouffe refers to food, the verb bouffer can also mean 'to waste' or 'to consume' time or money in an unproductive way.
Examples in context
- C'est l'heure de la bouffe !Grub time!This sentence is useful for announcing that it is time to eat using bouffe.Tatoeba #12380322 by Rovo, translation #10028521 by espamatics
- Ils n'avaient plus de provisions de bouffe.Their supply of grub was gone.This sentence describes a lack of food supplies using bouffe.Tatoeba #11185893 by lbdx, translation #10910381 by CM
- Je vais chercher de la bouffe et je reviens.I'm going to get some grub and I'll be back.This sentence is useful for saying you are going to go get some bouffe.Tatoeba #9849750 by lbdx, translation #2165542 by MethodGT
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are deciding what to do for lunch.
- NathanTu as faim ? On cherche de la bouffe ?Are you hungry? Shall we look for some grub?
- EmmaOui, j'ai une faim de loup !Yes, I'm starving!
- NathanOn commande une pizza ou on sort ?Should we order a pizza or go out?
- EmmaSortons, j'ai envie de manger dehors.Let's go out, I feel like eating outside.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grub” translations and entries bouffe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bouffe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
