nounnounadjective

la gosse

kid

C'est un mot familier pour parler d'un enfant ou d'un jeune garçon ou fille.

Word: gosse


Meaning:

The French word "gosse" is an informal noun that primarily means child or kid in English. It is typically used to refer to a boy or a child in a casual or familiar way, somewhat akin to "kid," "youngster," or "brat."

Usage:

  • It is often used affectionately or neutrally to talk about children.
  • In some contexts, it can be used to refer to a young person more generally.
  • Be careful with tone: in certain contexts, "gosse" can carry a slightly pejorative connotation similar to "brat."

Parts / Etymology:

  • The origin is uncertain, but it comes from French slang.
  • There is no direct morphological breakdown since it's a standalone noun.

Synonyms:

  • enfant (child) — more formal, standard
  • môme (kid, child) — informal and popular
  • gamin / gamine (boy / girl kid) — familiar, sometimes with mischievous undertone
  • petit (little one) — more general, often combined with other words

Antonyms:

Since "gosse" means "child," an antonym would be:

  • adulte (adult)
  • majeur (of legal age)

Summary:

  • Gosse = colloquial term for a child or kid.
  • Friendly or informal usage.
  • Used similarly to "kid" or "brat" in English depending on context.
  • Synonyms: enfant, môme, gamin.
  • Antonym: adulte.

Example sentence:

  • Ce gosse est très intelligent.
    (This kid is very smart.)

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Examples

Ce gosse joue dans le jardin.noun

That kid is playing in the garden.

Le gosse traverse la rue tranquillement.noun

The kid is crossing the street calmly.

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