blaireau
/blɛ.ʁo/masculine
The English phrase 'shaving brush' is translated into French as blaireau.
The term refers to a brush used for applying shaving cream.
Meaning: brush for applying shaving cream (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word blaireau literally means 'badger', which refers to the traditional use of badger hair in the bristles of the brush.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced /blɛ.ʁo/ and consists of two syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
In informal French slang, un blaireau can be a derogatory term for a person, similar to calling someone a 'loser' or an 'idiot'.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Il a acheté un nouveau blaireau.He bought a new shaving brush.
- Le blaireau est très doux.The shaving brush is very soft.
- Où est mon blaireau ?Where is my shaving brush?
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are in the bathroom in the morning.
- ChloéTu as vu mon blaireau ?Have you seen my shaving brush?
- LucasIl est sur l'étagère.It is on the shelf.
- ChloéMerci, Lucas.Thanks, Lucas.
- LucasDe rien, Chloé.You're welcome, Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shaving brush” translations and entries blaireau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blaireau, CC BY-SA 4.0.