nounverb

le flingue

gun

The word "flingue" in French is a slang term that primarily means "gun" or "firearm."

Meaning:

  • Flingue refers to a gun, usually a handgun or pistol. It is informal and widely used in everyday colloquial speech, as well as in crime or action-related contexts.
  • Can sometimes imply the idea of using the weapon or the threat it carries.

Synonyms and differences:

  • Pistolet: The standard term for "pistol" or handgun. Neutral and formal; used in official contexts.
  • Arme à feu: Literally "firearm"; general and formal term for guns or firearms.
  • Revolver: A specific type of handgun.
  • Calibre: Refers more to the size or caliber of a gun, not the gun itself.
  • Gâchette: Means "trigger," not the gun.
  • Flingue: Very informal/slang, often associated with casual or gritty speech, street language, or crime fiction.

Usage notes:

"Flingue" should be avoided in formal writing or speech, but it’s common in spoken language, particularly among young people or in media like movies, crime novels, or music that depict street life.

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Examples

Le détective a discrètement glissé ses deux flingues dans son manteau avant de sortir.noun

The detective discreetly slipped his two guns into his coat before going out.

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