démodé
/de.mɔ.de/
The English phrase "old fashioned" can be translated into French as démodé.
démodé is used to describe something that is no longer in style or is out of date. While it is frequently used for fashion and trends, it can also be applied more broadly to describe ideas or people that are no longer current.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the prefix dé- (meaning un- or out of) and mode (meaning fashion).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use démodée for feminine singular nouns, démodés for masculine plural nouns and démodées for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /de.mɔ.de/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, if you call a person démodé, it can sound much more personal and insulting than the English 'old-fashioned', which often sounds quaint or nostalgic.
- When describing people, French speakers may use the slang term ringard to describe someone who is not just démodé, but embarrassingly out of date in a way that lacks any grace.
- The word mode in démodé shares the same root as the English word 'mode'. Both derive from the Latin 'modus', meaning 'measure' or 'manner'.
Examples in context
- Mon papa est un peu démodé.My father is a bit old-fashioned.This sentence shows how to use démodé to describe a person.Tatoeba #336270 by sysko, translation #319278 by CK
- Ces chaussures sont démodées.Those shoes are old fashioned.This sentence shows how to use démodées to describe footwear.Tatoeba #1293450 by sacredceltic, translation #1293114 by CK
- Ton opinion est un peu démodée.Your opinion is somewhat old-fashioned.This sentence shows how to use démodée to describe an opinion.Tatoeba #1717313 by sacredceltic, translation #7942310 by AlanF_US
- La coutume de se saluer avec une révérence est désuète de nos jours.The custom of greeting with a bow is old-fashioned nowadays.
- Cette méthode de recherche est désormais obsolète.This research method is now obsolete.
- Son style vestimentaire est souvent considéré comme dépassé.His fashion style is often considered old-fashioned.
- Ce pull que tu portes est vraiment ringard !That sweater you're wearing is really old-fashioned!
- Ce groupe de musique est complètement démodé de nos jours.This band is completely old-fashioned nowadays.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are looking at clothes in a thrift store.
- HugoRegarde cette robe, elle est très démodée.Look at this dress, it is very old fashioned.
- ManonOui, elle ne se porte plus du tout.Yes, it is not worn at all anymore.
- HugoTu préfères les vêtements modernes ?Do you prefer modern clothes?
- ManonAbsolument, j'aime le style actuel.Absolutely, I love the current style.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry démodé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries démodé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
