ligma
ligma is a French fake word used as a setup for a joke.
The term is a non-existent word used specifically to trick a listener into asking for its definition. This allows the speaker to deliver a specific punchline.
Did you know?
- French internet users often refer to this specific type of verbal trap as a 'piège à cons', which is a more vulgar way to describe a trick meant for the gullible.
- Because the joke relies entirely on the English phonetic way 'ligma' sounds, a native French speaker would likely find the joke incomprehensible unless they are deeply immersed in English-language internet culture.
- The French version of the ligma joke is often a direct import from English internet culture rather than a native French linguistic invention.
Example conversation
Two friends are hanging out at a cafe.
- ChloéHugo, tu as déjà entendu parler de ligma ?Hugo, have you ever heard of ligma?
- HugoC'est quoi, ligma ?What is ligma?
- ChloéLigma balls !Ligma balls!
- HugoOh non, Chloé, tu m'as eu !Oh no, Chloé, you got me!
