qu'est-ce que c'est que ce bordel
The French phrase for 'what the hell' is qu'est-ce que c'est que ce bordel.
This expression is an intensive way of asking 'what' and is often used to mean 'what the hell is this mess?' It is a strong and explicit expression meant for informal settings, such as among friends.
Meaning: an intensive form of what (phrase)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
qu'est-ce que c'est que ce bordel is highly informal and contains a vulgarity. You should avoid using it in polite or professional company. For a different way to express disbelief or astonishment informally, you might use C'est quoi ce délire ?, which translates to 'What is this madness?'
Did you know?
- While the phrase is used to express confusion, the word bordel literally means 'brothel', which is why the expression is considered vulgar.
- Using bordel is considered significantly more vulgar than saying 'hell' in the English phrase 'what the hell'. It carries a stronger social taboo in professional French environments.
- The word bordel comes from the Medieval Latin bordellum, which meant a 'small hut'. Over time, it evolved to mean a brothel and eventually a chaotic mess.
Examples in context
- Qu'est-ce que c'est que ce bordel ?What the hell is that?This sentence is useful for asking 'What the hell is that?'Tatoeba #1183789 by sacredceltic, translation #1183788 by Scott
- C'est quoi ce délire ?What is this madness?
- Qu'est-ce que c'est que ce bordel avec ces dossiers ?What the hell is going on with these files?
- Qu'est-ce que c'est que ce bordel dans la cuisine ?What the hell is this mess in the kitchen?
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas enter their living room to find a massive mess.
- LéaQu'est-ce que c'est que ce bordel ici ?What the hell is this mess in here?
- LucasJe ne sais pas, Léa, c'est un cauchemar.I don't know, Léa, it's a nightmare.
- LéaOn doit ranger tout ça immédiatement.We have to clean all this up immediately.
- LucasD'accord, je m'en occupe maintenant.Okay, I'll take care of it now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bordel, c'est, ce, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
