petit bâtard
The English phrase "little bastard" is translated into French as petit bâtard.
This phrase is used as an insulting term to describe a young person who is perceived as unpleasant or mischievous.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation where petit means "little" and bâtard means "bastard".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase petit bâtard is informal and its impact can range from a playful tease among friends to a genuine insult depending on the tone used. Other informal variations include petit enfoiré/enfoirée, which conveys anger or frustration and the much harsher expression petit connard/connasse, which means "little asshole".
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female, use the feminine form petite bâtarde.
Did you know?
- The term bâtard is etymologically linked to the Old Frisian word bōst, which means 'marriage'.
- The suffix '-ard' in bâtard is a common way in French to turn a root word into a derogatory or intensive noun.
- While petit bâtard can be a playful tease, the term bâtard on its own is often used in modern French slang to describe someone who is cunning or a 'sly dog'.
Examples in context
- Hier, mon petit saligaud a encore fait une blague stupide.Yesterday, my little rascal played another stupid prank.
- Ce petit bâtard m'a encore volé mon goûter.That little bastard stole my snack again.
- Regarde ce petit bâtard qui fait des bêtises.Look at that little bastard causing trouble.
- Il est vraiment insupportable, ce petit bâtard.He is truly unbearable, that little bastard.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are talking about a mischievous neighbor kid.
- LucasLe fils du voisin a cassé mon pot.The neighbor's son broke my pot.
- LéaC'est vraiment un petit bâtard, ce gamin.That kid is really a little bastard.
- LucasIl fait toujours des bêtises ici.He is always doing naughty things here.
- LéaIl faut parler à ses parents.We need to talk to his parents.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bâtard, petit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
