scotch
/skɔtʃ/
To sellotape something in French is to say scotch.
The term is used as a verb to describe the action of sealing or fastening something using adhesive tape.
Meaning: seal with adhesive tape (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
/skɔtʃ/
Did you know?
- In French slang, scotcher can mean to be completely stunned or mesmerized by something, as if you have been taped to the spot.
- While scotch is the norm in France, speakers in Quebec often prefer the term ruban adhésif or the brand name Tuck-Tape for specific types of tape.
- If you were to use the formal term for adhesive tape, ruban adhésif, it sounds much more technical and less natural in daily conversation than the word scotch.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, où puis-je trouver du ruban adhésif?Excuse me, where can I find some Sellotape?
- Pourriez-vous me montrer les scotchs disponibles?Could you show me the available Sellotapes?
- Peux-tu scotcher cette déchirure ?Can you tape this tear?
- Elle a scotché la boîte rapidement.She taped the box quickly.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are packing for a move.
- NathanManon, tu peux m'aider à scotch ce paquet ?Manon, can you help me tape this package?
- ManonOui, donne-moi le ruban adhésif.Yes, give me the adhesive tape.
- NathanMerci, il faut bien scotch les coins.Thanks, the corners need to be taped well.
- ManonC'est fait, c'est maintenant bien fermé.It's done, it is now closed tight.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry scotch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
