canon
/ka.nɔ̃/
In French, the phrase for "someone is hot" is canon.
The term canon is used to describe a person who is very physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
While canon expresses that someone is "smoking hot," you might use Il/Elle est trop beau/belle to say someone is "too handsome/beautiful" or Il/Elle est super sexy to say someone is "super sexy."
How do you pronounce it?
/ka.nɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The term canon originally referred to a 'standard' or 'measuring rod' in Ancient Greek, used to define the ideal proportions of beauty.
- While canon describes a person, it is a noun used as an adjective, a common linguistic shortcut in French slang.
- Using super sexy in French is a direct loan from English, showing how English terms for attraction have been integrated into the language while native terms like canon persist.
Examples in context
- Il est séduisant, avec son sourire éclatant.He is attractive, with his radiant smile.
- Elle est canon, tu trouves pas?She is smoking hot, don't you think?
- Il est trop beau, c'est pas juste!He's too handsome, it's not fair!
- Regarde-le, il est super sexy avec ce look.Look at him, he's super sexy with that look.
- Ce garçon est un canon.That boy is hot.
- Regarde cet acteur, c'est un canon !Look at that actor, he is hot!
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are people-watching at a cafe.
- LucasRegarde le serveur, il est canon.Look at the waiter, he is hot.
- EmmaC'est vrai, il est très mignon.That's true, he is very cute.
- LucasJe pense qu'il est canon aussi.I think he is hot too.
- EmmaTu es incorrigible, Lucas !You are incorrigible, Lucas!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry canon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
