putain
/py.tɛ̃/
The French phrase for 'hot damn' is putain.
Putain, c'est trop bien! functions like saying 'Damn, it's so good!' to show enthusiasm. To express high levels of frustration or shock, the even stronger vulgar expression Putain de merde! is often used.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, putain means 'prostitute'.
How do you pronounce it?
/py.tɛ̃/
Did you know?
- The root of putain comes from the Latin word pūta, which originally meant 'girl' before the word's meaning shifted toward the derogatory.
- While it literally translates to 'prostitute', the word putain has evolved into a linguistic 'comma' used by many French speakers to pace their sentences or express a wide range of emotions.
- Although putain is used everywhere in France, using it in certain formal professional settings or with elders can still be seen as a sign of poor education regardless of the intent.
Examples in context
- Putain, c'est incroyable !Hot damn, it's incredible!
- Putain, il est déjà tard.Hot damn, it's already late.
- Putain, quel beau paysage !Hot damn, what a beautiful landscape!
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé see a huge-sized chocolate cake in a bakery window.
- NathanPutain, regarde ce gâteau !Hot damn, look at that cake!
- ChloéIl est énorme, Nathan.It is huge, Nathan.
- NathanOn doit l'acheter.We have to buy it.
- ChloéD'accord, allons-y !Okay, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry putain, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries putain, CC BY-SA 4.0.
