charlatan
/ʃaʁ.la.tɑ̃/
The English phrase 'snake oil salesman' can be translated into French as charlatan.
The term describes a person who deceives people by selling fraudulent cures or fake products.
Which one should you use?
charlatan is a formal term for a person who defrauds others, while the informal expression vendeur d'illusions can also be used to convey the same idea of a snake oil salesman.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun charlatan becomes charlatane when referring to a female snake-oil salesman.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ʃaʁ.la.tɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- The French language distinguishes between a charlatan and an imposteur. A charlatan specifically claims to have skills or knowledge they do not possess, whereas an imposteur simply pretends to be someone else.
- Because of its Italian roots, the core meaning of charlatan is not just about the fraud itself, but about the constant, noisy talking used to distract and deceive a crowd.
- Historically, the French charlatan was viewed as a folk entertainer as much as a fraud, blending medicine with public performance.
Examples in context
- Tom est un charlatan.Tom is a snake-oil salesman.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of charlatan.Tatoeba #13868369 by tieguy, translation #6985120 by Hybrid
- Le vendeur est un charlatan qui vend des produits non éprouvés.The salesperson is a charlatan who sells unproven products.
- Ne tombe pas dans le piège de ce marchand de miracles ! Ses produits ne fonctionnent pas.Don't fall into the trap of that snake oil salesman! His products don't work.
- Méfie-toi de ce vendeur, c'est un charlatan.Beware of this seller, he is a charlatan.
- Ce faux médecin n'est qu'un charlatan.This fake doctor is nothing but a charlatan.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing a suspicious advertisement online.
- EmmaTu crois vraiment à ce produit miracle ?Do you really believe in this miracle product?
- HugoNon, je pense que c'est un charlatan.No, I think he is a charlatan.
- EmmaTu as raison, Hugo, il veut nous arnaquer.You are right, Hugo, he wants to scam us.
- HugoC'est mieux de ne pas prendre de risques.It is better not to take risks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry charlatan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
