canon
/ka.nɔ̃/
The French phrase canon is an informal way to say 'hot stuff' when referring to a person.
This phrase is used to describe a person who is very physically attractive.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ka.nɔ̃/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- Despite its use to describe a beautiful person, the word canon is also the exact same word for a 'cannon' used in warfare.
- Calling someone canon is a shortened version of the phrase canon de beauté, which literally means a 'standard of beauty'.
- Despite its informal use, canon is generally considered more polite and less suggestive than some other French slang terms for physical attraction.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are looking at a photo of a celebrity.
- LéaTu trouves qu'il est canon ?Do you think he's hot stuff?
- GabrielOui, il est vraiment canon.Yes, he is really hot stuff.
- LéaMoi, je le trouve banal.Me, I find him ordinary.
- GabrielTu as mauvais goût, Léa !You have bad taste, Léa!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry canon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
