tyran de l'école
The English phrase school bully is translated into French as tyran de l'école.
This phrase refers to a student who habitually intimidates or harms other students at school.
Which one should you use?
You may encounter other variations depending on the level of formality required.
Did you know?
- French law specifically criminalizes harcèlement scolaire, meaning that behavior described as bullying can lead to official juvenile court proceedings rather than just school detention.
- The word tyran is a direct descendant of the Ancient Greek word túrannos, which originally referred to a ruler who seized power illegally.
- In a modern classroom, you might hear the slang term petit chef to describe a student who tries to exert power over others, though it is much less aggressive than tyran.
Examples in context
- Le tyran de l'école fait régner la terreur dans la cour de récréation.The school bully spreads terror in the playground.
- Ce caïd de l'école pense qu'il peut tout contrôler.This school bully thinks he can control everything.
- Ce tyran de l'école terrorise les plus petits.This school bully terrorizes the younger ones.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are discussing a problematic student.
- ManonRegarde, voilà le tyran de l'école.Look, here comes the school bully.
- GabrielIl fait peur à tout le monde.He scares everyone.
- ManonOn devrait en parler au directeur.We should talk to the principal about it.
- GabrielTu as raison, Manon.You are right, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, tyran, CC BY-SA 4.0.
