merde
/mɛʁd/
The French word merde translates to the English word 'shit'.
merde is an informal term used to express frustration, anger or to describe a bad situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word literally means 'shit'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
merde is a vulgar, informal term. If you wish to use a milder alternative similar to saying 'darn' or 'drat' in English, you can use Mince.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛʁd/
When do people say it?
In the context of performing arts, saying merde to someone is a way to wish them good luck, similar to the English expression 'break a leg'.
Did you know?
- In the high-stakes world of French ballet, saying bonne chance to a performer is considered a major insult or a bad omen. To avoid jinxing a dancer, you should strictly use merde instead.
- The superstition behind saying merde in the theater likely dates back to the era of horse-drawn carriages. A large amount of merde outside a theater indicated that a huge crowd had gathered to see the show.
- The word merde is inherited from the Latin merda.
Examples in context
- Merde ! J'ai fait tomber mon téléphone !Shit! I dropped my phone!
- Merde, j'ai oublié mes clés !Shit, I forgot my keys!
- Oh merde, la voiture est en panne.Oh shit, the car has broken down.
- Merde, il est déjà trop tard.Shit, it is already too late.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are preparing for a big presentation.
- GabrielJe suis très stressé pour aujourd'hui.I am very stressed for today.
- ManonNe t'inquiète pas, je te dis merde !Don't worry, I'm wishing you good luck!
- GabrielMerci Manon, j'en ai besoin.Thanks Manon, I need it.
- ManonTu vas réussir, Gabriel.You are going to succeed, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry merde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries merde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
