hurluberlu
/yʁ.ly.bɛʁ.ly/
The English phrase "weirdo" can be translated into French as hurluberlu. Wiktionary also lists loufoque and zarbi.
Meaning: strange person (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| hurluberlu | /yʁ.ly.bɛʁ.ly/ |
| loufoque | /lu.fɔk/ |
| zarbi | /zaʁ.bi/ |
| zinzin | /zɛ̃.zɛ̃/ |
Which one should you use?
hurluberlu carries a slightly more whimsical or old-fashioned connotation of an eccentric person compared to the harsher slang terms. zarbi is used to describe someone or something as weird, while zinzin is an informal term that implies someone is acting crazy or is a bit nuts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
zarbi is considered slang. zinzin is an informal term for a crazy person or nutcase. If you wish to be polite when describing someone as eccentric, use the term Excentrique.
How do you pronounce it?
/yʁ.ly.bɛʁ.ly/
Did you know?
- The word loufoque originates from Louchébem, a secret slang used by butchers and horse traders in Paris to hide their conversations from customers.
Examples in context
- C'est un drôle de hurluberlu.He is a funny little weirdo.
- Quel hurluberlu ce type !What a weirdo this guy is!
- On m'a traité de hurluberlu.I was called a weirdo.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are watching a man dance alone in the park.
- ChloéRegarde cet homme, c'est un vrai hurluberlu.Look at that man, he's a real weirdo.
- HugoC'est vrai, mais il a l'air heureux.True, but he looks happy.
- ChloéJe me demande pourquoi il fait ça.I wonder why he's doing that.
- HugoLaisse-le profiter de sa journée, Chloé.Let him enjoy his day, Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weirdo” translations and entries hurluberlu, loufoque, zarbi, zinzin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hurluberlu, loufoque, zarbi, zinzin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
