TOC
/tɔk/
The English phrase OCD is translated into French as TOC.
French speakers use the acronym TOC in informal conversations to refer to OCD.
What does it mean word for word?
TOC is an acronym for trouble obsessionnel compulsif, which is the French equivalent of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the acronym is a masculine noun and is typically used with the definite article le TOC.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɔk/
Did you know?
- The word toc is also used as an adjective to describe something fake, cheap or tacky, such as bijoux de toc meaning costume jewelry.
- The word toc is actually an onomatopoeia.
- Because TOC sounds like the word for a knock, some French speakers jokingly describe a compulsive thought as a 'knocking' in the head.
Examples in context
- Le Trouble Obsessionnel Compulsif (TOC) est une condition psychiatrique qui peut être traitée.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition that can be treated.
- Il souffre de TOC.He suffers from OCD.
- Son TOC l'empêche de dormir.His OCD prevents him from sleeping.
- Est-ce que c'est lié au TOC ?Is it related to OCD?
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing a friend's behavior.
- LéaEst-ce qu'il a un TOC ?Does he have OCD?
- GabrielOui, son TOC est assez fort.Yes, his OCD is quite strong.
- LéaC'est difficile pour lui, non ?It's hard for him, isn't it?
- GabrielOui, il doit faire beaucoup d'efforts.Yes, he has to make a lot of effort.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry TOC, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries toc, CC BY-SA 4.0.
