délit d'initié
/de.li d‿i.ni.sje/
In French, insider trading is called délit d'initié.
The term délit d'initié is used in both legal and journalistic contexts to describe the illegal use of non-public information for stock market advantage.
Meaning: trading of securities by a person who has privileged access to information (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase délit d'initié is composed of délit (offense/misdemeanor) and initié (insider/one who has been initiated).
Which one should you use?
While délit d'initié is the standard term, you can also use Opérations frauduleuses d'initiés to emphasize the fraudulent aspect of insider trading.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to multiple instances of insider trading, both délit and initié are typically pluralized to get délits d'initiés.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word initié possesses a much more mystical connotation than the English 'insider'. In French, it is commonly used to describe someone admitted into a secret society or an exclusive mystery cult.
- In the French legal hierarchy, a délit is a mid-level offense that sits specifically between a contravention and a crime.
- While English speakers use the relatively neutral term 'trading', the French term délit d'initié is inherently accusatory. By using the word délit, the phrase identifies the act as a criminal offense right from the start.
Examples in context
- Le politicien a essayé de couvrir le délit d'initié.The politician tried to cover up the insider trading.This sentence shows how the term délit d'initié is used when discussing a politician attempting a cover-up.Tatoeba #486655 by Goofy, translation #271376 by CK
- Dans le monde des affaires, les délits d'initiés sont sévèrement punis par la loi.In the business world, insider trading is severely punished by the law.
- Il a été condamné pour délit d'initié.He was convicted of insider trading.
- Le délit d'initié est un crime grave.Insider trading is a serious crime.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a recent news report in an office.
- ChloéTu as vu l'article sur le délit d'initié ?Did you see the article about the insider trading?
- HugoOui, l'affaire de ce directeur est incroyable.Yes, this director's case is incredible.
- ChloéIl a risqué toute sa carrière.He risked his entire career.
- HugoC'est une erreur très coûteuse pour lui.It is a very costly mistake for him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “insider trading” translations and entries délit d'initié, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
