outsider
/awt.saj.dœʁ/
The English word underdog is translated into French as outsider.
In French, outsider is used to refer to an underdog within a competitive context, such as in the worlds of politics or sports.
Meaning: competitor thought unlikely to win (noun)
Which one should you use?
While l'outsider refers to the underdog, the term used for the person or team expected to win is le favori.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun outsider is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
outsider is pronounced /awt.saj.dœʁ/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- French sports commentators often use le petit poucet to describe an underdog, referring to the clever character from the fairy tale 'Hop-o'-my-thumb'.
- In French political contexts, an outsider is specifically someone who originates from outside the established political machinery rather than just a candidate with low polling.
- While 'underdog' in English often evokes emotional sympathy, outsider in French can sound more clinical and detached.
Examples in context
- Certains disent qu'il est dans la nature humaine de soutenir l'outsider.Some people say that it is human nature to root for the underdog.This sentence is useful for illustrating the idea of rooting for the outsider.Tatoeba #957887 by sacredceltic, translation #954283 by CK
- C'est l'outsider du championnatThey are the underdog of the championship
- Cette petite entreprise est un vrai David contre Goliath dans ce secteurThis small business is a true underdog in this industry
- L'outsider a surpris tout le monde.The underdog surprised everyone.
- Tout le monde veut voir l'outsider gagner.Everyone wants to see the underdog win.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are watching a tennis match on television.
- NathanTu crois que l'outsider peut gagner ce match ?Do you think the underdog can win this match?
- ManonC'est possible, il joue très bien aujourd'hui.It's possible, he is playing very well today.
- NathanJe soutiens l'outsider dans cette compétition.I'm rooting for the underdog in this competition.
- ManonMoi aussi, c'est plus amusant comme ça.Me too, it's more fun that way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry outsider, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
