Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| connard | /kɔ.naʁ/ | masculine |
| crétin | /kʁe.tɛ̃/ | |
| conard | /kɔ.naʁ/ | masculine, alternative form |
| con | /kɔ̃/ | masculine |
These terms are used to describe an unpleasant individual. Depending on the level of politeness or intensity you wish to convey, you might use the polite phrase Personne peu aimable (an unfriendly person) or the formal Individu désagréable (an unpleasant individual). In more common or casual settings, you can use colloquialisms like con to mean a jerk, an idiot or an ass.
Which one should you use?
While both refer to unpleasant people, connard specifically targets someone's malicious or unpleasant character. In contrast, con is more frequently used to describe someone as being stupid or an idiot. Additionally, conard is simply an alternative spelling of connard.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of vulgarity varies significantly between these words. Connard is a vulgar term that is much stronger and more offensive than the English word 'jerk'. In contrast, con is a colloquial term. For informal and private settings, you might use salaud to mean a jerk or a bastard. If you need to be polite, use Personne peu aimable or use the formal Individu désagréable to describe someone unpleasant.
How does it change in a sentence?
To add emphasis when insulting someone, you can use the construction Espèce de followed by the noun, such as in Espèce de connard ! (You jerk!). All the forms listed are masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ.naʁ/
Did you know?
- The word con comes from the Latin word cunnus, which refers to a part of the female anatomy.
Examples in context
- Ton ex est un con.Your ex-boyfriend is a jerk.This sentence shows how to use con to describe an ex-boyfriend.Tatoeba #11297397 by lbdx, translation #1403502 by CK
- Espèce de connard !Jerk!This sentence demonstrates how to add emphasis using the construction Espèce de with connard.Tatoeba #7956616 by Micsmithel, translation #8110284 by Raizin
- Casse-toi, pauvre con !Get lost, stupid jerk!This sentence shows the use of con in a dismissive insult.Tatoeba #669961 by sysko, translation #679481 by Snout
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are talking about a rude coworker.
- NathanTu as vu comment il a parlé à l'équipe ?Did you see how he spoke to the team?
- ManonOui, c'est un sacré connard, Nathan.Yes, he is quite a jerk, Nathan.
- NathanIl est vraiment insupportable.He is really unbearable.
- ManonTout le monde le déteste ici.Everyone hates him here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jerk” translations and entries connard, crétin, conard, con, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, connard, crétin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
