joli garçon
The English phrase "pretty boy" is translated into French as joli garçon.
joli garçon is used to describe a boy who is pretty or dainty in appearance.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective joli (pretty) and the noun garçon (boy).
Which one should you use?
While joli garçon emphasizes prettiness or daintiness, the phrase beau garçon is more commonly used to mean a handsome or good-looking boy.
Did you know?
- The word garçon shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'wretch', as both stem from a Germanic root meaning an 'exile' or 'outcast'.
- In a French café, calling a waiter garçon is now considered outdated and potentially rude.
- If you want to compliment a man's ruggedness, avoid joli garçon and use beau gosse, which is a much more common, modern slang for a 'hot guy'.
Examples in context
- Ce mec est tellement mignon / bogosse!This guy is so cute / pretty!
- C'est un joli garçon.He is a pretty boy.
- Il joue le rôle du joli garçon.He is playing the role of the pretty boy.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are looking at a photo of a relative.
- ManonTon cousin est un joli garçon.Your cousin is a pretty boy.
- LucasOui, il ressemble beaucoup à mon père.Yes, he looks a lot like my father.
- ManonC'est vrai, il a le même sourire.It's true, he has the same smile.
- LucasMerci, Manon, c'est gentil.Thank you, Manon, that's kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries garçon, joli, CC BY-SA 4.0.
