ferme-la singe
The English phrase "shut up monkey" can be translated into French as ferme-la singe.
This is an insulting way to tell someone to stop talking while calling them a monkey.
Which one should you use?
Ferme-la, singe! is equivalent to the English "Shut it, monkey!", whereas Tais-toi, singe! translates directly to "Shut up, monkey!"
Did you know?
- Using singe as an insult in French can carry much heavier racial connotations than the English equivalent due to historical colonial contexts.
- If you were to say ferme ta boîte instead of ferme-la, you would be using a different slang expression meaning 'shut your trap'.
- In French, calling someone a singe can sometimes be used more playfully than in English, often implying someone is being a 'cheeky monkey' or a prankster.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are arguing during a game.
- LucasTu as encore perdu !You lost again!
- ChloéC'est parce que j'avais un problème.It's because I had a problem.
- LucasFerme-la singe, tu as juste perdu.Shut up monkey, you just lost.
- ChloéTu es vraiment insupportable, Lucas.You are really unbearable, Lucas.
