frimer
To show off in French is frimer.
The term frimer is used to describe someone behaving in a boastful or pretentious way, often to impress others with their abilities or possessions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
frimer is an informal verb. If you want to describe a person who shows off, you can use the informal nouns frimeur for a male or frimeuse for a female, which are both derived from the verb. For a more formal way to say one is displaying their successes, you can use the phrase Faire l'étalage de ses succès. Conversely, if you are looking for an informal way to say someone is acting cool, you might use Crâner.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the phrase se péter les bretelles is commonly used to mean to show off.
Did you know?
- The Quebec expression se péter les bretelles literally translates to 'bursting one's suspenders', evoking the image of a chest puffing out with pride until the straps snap.
- The verb frimer is derived from the noun frime, which was originally used in 19th century slang to describe a facade or a deceptive appearance.
- The formal expression Faire l'étalage de ses succès uses the word 'étalage', which literally means a 'display' or 'layout' as seen in a shop window.
Examples in context
- Arrête de frimer !Don't show off.This sentence is useful for telling someone to stop showing off using frimer.Tatoeba #1302563 by sacredceltic, translation #1302461 by CK
- Elle me parla en anglais, juste pour frimer.She spoke English to me just to show off.This sentence shows how someone might use a language just to show off using frimer.Tatoeba #1538122 by sacredceltic, translation #313482 by CK
- J'essayais de frimer.I was trying to show off.This sentence demonstrates the act of trying to show off using frimer.Tatoeba #12260440 by lbdx, translation #5936231 by Hybrid
- Paul se vante toujours de ses résultats scolaires exceptionnels.Paul always shows off his exceptional academic results.
- Julie aime faire l'étalage de ses succès professionnels.Julie enjoys displaying her professional successes.
- Lisa fait son intéressante en racontant ses voyages exotiques.Lisa is trying to impress others by talking about her exotic trips.
- Tom crâne en parlant de son expérience dans l'industrie.Tom acts cool while talking about his industry experience.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a person at a party.
- GabrielIl essaie de frimer avec sa nouvelle voiture.He is trying to show off with his new car.
- LéaC'est vraiment agaçant de le voir frimer ainsi.It is really annoying to see him show off like that.
- GabrielTu penses qu'il veut nous impressionner ?Do you think he wants to impress us?
- LéaOui, il aime beaucoup frimer devant tout le monde.Yes, he loves to show off in front of everyone.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frimer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
