fille canon
The English phrase "hot girl" is translated into French as fille canon.
This phrase is used to describe a woman or girl who is considered very physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression consists of fille (girl) and canon (cannon), where canon is used as an adjective meaning striking or excellent.
Which one should you use?
While fille canon uses the slang term canon to mean hot or stunning, you may also use une bombe (a bombshell) as a slang alternative that carries a similar connotation of extreme physical attractiveness. Additionally, fille sexy can be used to mean "sexy girl".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Fille canon is a colloquial expression and is not appropriate for formal writing or professional settings. Similarly, fille sexy is considered informal.
Did you know?
- The word canon in fille canon comes from the Greek word for 'measuring rod'. It is a shortened version of canon de beauté, referring to the established standard of beauty.
- The adjective canon is so versatile in French slang that it can describe anything 'great' or 'stunning', not just people. You might hear a French speaker describe a beautiful dress or a great idea as canon.
- While fille canon is a specific phrase, it is more common in daily conversation to simply say Elle est canon to mean 'She is hot'.
Examples in context
- C'est une vraie fille canon.She is a real hot girl.
- Regarde cette fille canon là-bas.Look at that hot girl over there.
- Je ne connais pas cette fille canon.I do not know that hot girl.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are people-watching at a café.
- LéaRegarde la fille là-bas, c'est une fille canon.Look at the girl over there, she's a hot girl.
- HugoC'est vrai, elle est magnifique.That's true, she is gorgeous.
- LéaTu devrais aller lui parler, Hugo.You should go talk to her, Hugo.
- HugoJe suis trop timide pour ça !I'm too shy for that!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canon, fille, CC BY-SA 4.0.
