franc-tireur
/fʁɑ̃.ti.ʁœʁ/
In French, the English phrase maverick can be translated as franc-tireur. If unsure, use franc-tireur. Wiktionary also lists excentrique.
Meaning: one who is unconventional or does not abide by rules (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| franc-tireur | /fʁɑ̃.ti.ʁœʁ/ |
| excentrique | /ɛk.sɑ̃.tʁik/ |
A maverick is someone who is unconventional or does not abide by rules.
What does it mean word for word?
The term franc-tireur literally translates to 'free shooter'.
Which one should you use?
The term franc-tireur implies someone acting independently or outside of established structures. In contrast, excentrique focuses more on someone whose behavior is merely strange or unconventional.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebecois French, the term un maverick is often used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word excentrique is used as both a noun and an adjective. Additionally, the related term individualiste can be used as an adjective meaning showing independence in thoughts or actions.
How do you pronounce it?
franc-tireur is pronounced /fʁɑ̃.ti.ʁœʁ/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The term franc-tireur originally referred to irregular soldiers who fought without uniforms during the Franco-Prussian War.
- Because franc-tireur is quite intense, a more neutral way to describe a 'maverick' who simply thinks differently is to use the term original.
- The word excentrique shares a common ancestor with the English 'eccentric', both stemming from the idea of being 'out of the center'.
Examples in context
- Il est un original dans son domaine.He is a maverick in his field.
- Cet artiste est vraiment inclassable.This artist is truly a maverick.
- Ses idées sont toujours hors norme.His ideas are always maverick.
- Ce mec est un vrai franc-tireur.This guy is a real maverick.
- Elle est complètement un ovni dans le monde de la politique.She is totally a maverick in the political world.
- C'est un original, il ne suit jamais les règles.He's a maverick, he never follows the rules.
- C'est un véritable franc-tireur dans son domaine.He is a true maverick in his field.
- Le nouveau directeur est un franc-tireur.The new director is a maverick.
- Il a toujours été un franc-tireur.He has always been a maverick.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing a new colleague's unusual working style.
- NathanLe nouveau collègue est un vrai franc-tireur.The new colleague is a real maverick.
- LéaC'est vrai, il ne suit aucune règle.That's true, he doesn't follow any rules.
- NathanMais ses idées sont très originales.But his ideas are very original.
- LéaC'est ce qui rend son profil intéressant.That's what makes his profile interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maverick” translations and entries franc-tireur, excentrique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries excentrique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
