ferme ta gueule pute
The English phrase "shut up hoe" is translated into French as ferme ta gueule pute.
This phrase is a very rude and offensive way to tell a woman to stop talking.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from ferme (close), ta (your), gueule (maw/mouth/trap) and pute (whore).
Which one should you use?
While ferme ta gueule pute includes a specific insult, the shorter version ferme ta gueule can be used without the insult to mean "shut your trap" or "shut up" in a very rude manner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is highly offensive and uses vulgar slang suitable only for extreme aggression or very specific, highly informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ferme is in the imperative second-person singular form.
Did you know?
- The insult pute may be linked to the Latin word pūtidus, which means 'stinking' or 'fetid'.
- The word gueule refers specifically to the maw or throat of an animal. Using it to describe a human mouth is a way of dehumanizing the person being told to shut up.
- While ferme in this phrase means 'close', the exact same spelling and sound can also mean a 'farm' in French.
Example conversation
A heated argument between two former friends in a street.
- LucasTu parles trop, ferme ta gueule pute.You talk too much, shut up hoe.
- ChloéTu es vraiment un idiot, Lucas.You are truly an idiot, Lucas.
- LucasJe ne veux plus t'entendre.I don't want to hear you anymore.
- ChloéTrès bien, laisse-moi tranquille.Fine, leave me alone.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ferme, gueule, pute, ta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
