niaiseux
slang, Quebec
In Quebec the everyday word for stupid or silly is niaiseux, with the feminine niaiseuse. Stupide and idiot are standard French and also understood.
Meaning: lacking sense or intelligence (adjective)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| niaiseux | slang, Quebec |
| stupide | neutral |
| idiot | strong |
Niaiseux can be gentle teasing among friends, but it is still an insult and should not be used on someone you do not know.
Which one should you use?
The verb niaiser means to fool around or waste time. Arrête de niaiser means "stop messing around".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Calling someone idiot or stupide to their face is harsher than niaiseux between friends.
Did you know?
- Niaiseux comes from niais, an older French word meaning simple or naive.
Examples in context
- C'est une idée niaiseuse.That is a silly idea.
- Arrête de niaiser!Stop fooling around!
- Ce n'était pas stupide du tout.That was not stupid at all.
Example conversation
Brother and sister Mathis and Éloïse tease each other at home in Sherbrooke.
- MathisJ'ai oublié mes clés dans la voiture.I forgot my keys in the car.
- ÉloïseT'es niaiseux, des fois!You are silly sometimes!
- MathisÇa arrive, tu sais.It happens, you know.
