argot
/aʁ.ɡo/masculine
In French, the English word 'slang' can be translated as argot. If unsure, use argot. Wiktionary also lists langue verte and jargon.
Meaning: unconventional language (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| argot | /aʁ.ɡo/ /aʁ.ɡɔ/ |
masculine |
| langue verte | /lɑ̃ɡ vɛʁt/ | feminine |
| jargon | /ʒaʁ.ɡɔ̃/ | masculine |
The word argot is the most common and direct way to refer to slang or non-standard street language in French.
Which one should you use?
The choice between terms depends on the type of language being described. argot refers to social slang, whereas jargon is used to describe the specialized vocabulary of a specific profession or group. Additionally, langue verte is used to describe coarse or vulgar language.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
langue verte is a more formal or euphemistic way to refer to coarse or vulgar language, often used in a literary context.
How does it change in a sentence?
argot and jargon are masculine nouns, while langue verte is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʁ.ɡo/ (two syllables)
Did you know?
Examples in context
- N'utilise pas d'argot, si possible.Don't use slang if you can help it.This sentence shows how to advise someone against using argot.Tatoeba #1902523 by sacredceltic, translation #39563 by CM
- Elle ne comprend pas l'argot des jeunes.She doesn't understand the slang used by young people.This sentence illustrates the use of argot when referring to the speech of young people.Tatoeba #7683541 by Micsmithel, translation #6218103 by Tangobango
- Il ne comprend pas bien le jargon des jeunes.He doesn't understand youth slang very well.This sentence demonstrates how jargon is used to describe the specific speech of a group.Tatoeba #6169708 by sacredceltic, translation #12867793 by rul
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a difficult book.
- LéaCe livre utilise beaucoup d'argot.This book uses a lot of slang.
- NathanC'est vrai, c'est difficile à lire.It's true, it is hard to read.
- LéaNathan, tu comprends tout ?Nathan, do you understand everything?
- NathanNon, je suis perdu.No, I am lost.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slang” translations and entries argot, langue verte, jargon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries argot, jargon, langue, langue verte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
