Why Learn French Slang for Money?
When you learn French, textbooks and language apps usually teach you the formal words for money, like argent (money) or monnaie (change). However, in real-life conversations, especially among friends or younger people, you’ll hear a range of slang words and phrases. Mastering these terms can help you:
- Understand movies, music, and TV shows
- Connect with French-speaking friends
- Avoid sounding too formal or stiff
- Appreciate the playful side of the French language
Popular French Slang Words for Money
Here are some of the most common and widely used French slang terms for money:
Le fric
Le fric is perhaps the most popular slang word for money in French. It’s used just like the English word “cash” or “dough.” For example: Il a beaucoup de fric (He has a lot of money).
Le blé
Literally meaning “wheat,” le blé is another fun way to refer to money, similar to how “dough” is used in English. For example: J’ai besoin de blé pour mes vacances (I need money for my vacation).
Le pognon
Le pognon is a casual, slightly old-fashioned term for money, but still commonly used. For example: Il n’a pas de pognon (He doesn’t have any money).
La thune
La thune is very current and widely used among young people and in urban areas. Example: Tu as de la thune ? (Do you have any money?).
Le pèze
Le pèze is less common but still understood. It comes from the word “peseta,” the former Spanish currency. Example: Il fait ça pour le pèze (He does it for the money).
Le flouze
Le flouze is an old-school term that you might hear in movies or from older generations. Example: C’est beaucoup de flouze (That’s a lot of money).
French Slang for Coins and Bills
Just like in English, the French have special slang for coins and bills:
- Une pièce – A coin
- Un billet – A bill (banknote)
- Un sou – An old-fashioned word for a small amount of money or a coin, sometimes used in negative expressions like Il n’a pas un sou (He doesn’t have a penny).
- Un radis – Literally “a radish,” used in the phrase Pas un radis (Not a cent).
How to Use French Money Slang in Conversation
To really sound like a native, try incorporating these slang terms into your everyday conversations. Here are a few practical examples:
- Tu peux me prêter un peu de fric ? (Can you lend me some cash?)
- J’ai plus de thune, c’est la galère ! (I’m out of money, it’s tough!)
- Il fait ça juste pour le pognon. (He’s only doing it for the money.)
Other Useful Expressions About Money in French Slang
Beyond the nouns, there are plenty of expressions and idioms involving money that are used in everyday French. Here are a few:
- Être fauché(e) – To be broke (Je suis fauché en ce moment – I’m broke right now)
- Rouler sur l’or – To be rolling in money (Il roule sur l’or – He’s rolling in money)
- C’est pas donné – That’s expensive (Ce resto, c’est pas donné – That restaurant is expensive)
- Chercher la petite bête pour économiser trois sous – To nitpick to save a few cents
Tips for Mastering French Slang
If you want to get comfortable with French money slang, here are some tips from the Talkpal team:
- Watch French movies and TV shows: Pay attention to how characters talk about money.
- Listen to French music: Many French rap and pop songs use slang terms for money.
- Practice with native speakers: Use Talkpal’s AI language learning tools to simulate real conversations and test your knowledge of slang.
- Read French forums and social media: Notice how people casually mention money online.
Conclusion
Learning how to talk about money in French slang is a fun and practical way to enhance your language skills and understand French culture better. By mastering terms like fric, blé, thune, and common expressions, you’ll be able to chat naturally with native speakers and enjoy authentic French conversations. For more tips and resources on learning French, explore the Talkpal AI language learning blog and take your French to the next level!
