pompette
The English word "tipsy" can be translated into French using pompette. Wiktionary also lists éméché and gris.
Meaning: slightly drunk (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| pompette | |
| éméché | /e.me.ʃe/ |
| gris | /ɡʁi/ |
All the terms in this entry describe the state of being slightly drunk. You can use the verb phrase se sentir éméché(e) to express the sensation of feeling tipsy, or the phrase être gris/grise to describe the state of being tipsy in a general sense.
Which one should you use?
gris is a colloquial option used to describe the same state in a more informal or lighthearted way.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
gris is colloquial. For a more formal way to express the concept of being slightly drunk, you might use the expression légèrement ivre.
Did you know?
- The term pompette is often used to describe a charming or cute state of drunkenness, frequently applied to women or children's behavior in a playful way.
- To say you are 'tipsy' using être gris, you are essentially saying you are 'in a grey state', a metaphor for the hazy feeling of intoxication.
- The word pompette has a playful, almost bouncy sound that reflects the lighthearted and slightly dizzy feeling of being tipsy.
Examples in context
- Il est un peu éméché.He's a bit tipsy.This sentence shows how to use éméché to say someone is a bit tipsy.Tatoeba #1924606 by sacredceltic, translation #1911954 by Spamster
- Je suis un peu éméché.I'm a bit tipsy.This sentence shows how to use éméché to say you are a bit tipsy.Tatoeba #1924602 by sacredceltic, translation #1911956 by Spamster
- Je suis déjà un peu pompette.I'm already a bit tipsy.This sentence shows how to use pompette to say you are already a bit tipsy.Tatoeba #12264268 by lbdx, translation #5850470 by CK
- Jean-Pierre était légèrement ivre à la fin de la soirée.Jean-Pierre was slightly tipsy by the end of the evening.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are at a cocktail party.
- LéaJe me sens un peu pompette.I feel a little tipsy.
- NathanTu devrais boire un peu d'eau.You should drink some water.
- LéaOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
- NathanJe t'apporte un verre.I will bring you a glass.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tipsy” translations and entries pompette, éméché, gris, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
