ptdr
The French equivalent of 'lmao' is ptdr.
ptdr is an abbreviation used in informal digital contexts and texting to indicate that something is very funny.
What does it mean word for word?
The abbreviation stands for pété de rire, which literally means 'bursting with laughter' or 'exploded from laughter'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ptdr is used exclusively in informal digital communication like text messages or social media.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the full phrase Je suis mort(e) de rire!, the final 'e' in morte is used when the speaker is female.
Did you know?
- The phrase pété de rire uses the verb péter, which more commonly means 'to fart' in everyday French. Using it to describe laughter creates a humorous, slightly crude imagery of losing control of one's bodily functions.
- The word pété is also used in French slang to mean 'high' or 'drunk', creating a linguistic link between intense laughter and intoxication.
- While ptdr is common, French speakers often use mdr as a general 'lol'. The two are used together, like mdr ptdr, to show that something is even funnier than usual.
Examples in context
- PTDR!That meme you shared was hilarious!
- Il a fait une chute, ptdr.He fell down, lmao.
- Regarde cette vidéo, ptdr !Watch this video, lmao!
- J'ai trop ri, ptdr.I laughed so much, lmao.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are texting about a funny video.
- LucasRegarde cette vidéo, c'est trop drôle !Look at this video, it's too funny!
- Léaptdr, il tombe vraiment mal !Lmao, he really falls badly!
- LucasJe n'en peux plus de rire.I can't stop laughing.
- LéaMoi aussi, c'est hilarant.Me too, it's hilarious.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ptdr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
