je suis défoncé
In French, "I am high" is expressed as je suis défoncé.
This phrase is used to state that one is under the influence of a drug, typically cannabis. It implies a heavy or intense state of being high.
What does it mean word for word?
The term défoncé literally means "smashed", "broken in" or "hollowed out". This implies that the person's senses or state of mind have been broken down by the drug.
Which one should you use?
While je suis défoncé describes an intense state of being high, you can use je suis perché to indicate a milder sensation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
je suis défoncé is highly colloquial and informal. In formal or professional settings, you should avoid this phrase and instead use Je suis sous l'influence de substances or Je suis dans un état altéré.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, you can use je suis défoncé(e) or je suis perché(e). In Québec, Canada, the expression Je suis déchiré(e) is used to mean "I am ripped".
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, use je suis défoncée.
Did you know?
- French speakers use the word perché not only for drugs but also to describe someone who is eccentric or 'out there' in their thinking, even if they are sober.
- In French, the word défoncé can also describe a door that has been kicked in or a car that is badly dented. The drug slang borrows this image of physical destruction to describe the mind.
- The word suis is a linguistic anomaly because it was influenced by the Latin word fuī, which means 'I was', rather than following the expected evolution of the Latin word for 'I am'.
Examples in context
- Je suis défoncé depuis une heure.I have been high for an hour.
- Ne me demande rien, je suis défoncé.Don't ask me anything, I am high.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking in a quiet living room.
- ManonNathan, ça va ? Tu as l'air bizarre.Nathan, are you okay? You look strange.
- NathanOui, c'est juste que je suis défoncé.Yes, it's just that I am high.
- ManonTu devrais te reposer un peu.You should rest a little.
- NathanTu as raison, je vais m'allonger.You are right, I am going to lie down.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
