la loque

Word: loque

Language: French

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Meaning:

1. Loque as a noun generally means a rag or tattered piece of cloth. It refers to a piece of fabric that is old, worn out, torn, or discarded.

2. In a figurative sense, "un(e) loque" can be used to describe a person who is physically or emotionally worn out, exhausted, or impoverished. It slangily refers to someone looking very weak, ragged, or miserable.

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Breakdown:

• The word "loque" comes from Old French, related to similar words meaning rag or shredding.
• It is feminine in gender: une loque.
• No direct verb form, but related words may be used to describe the action of tearing or wearing down fabric.

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Synonyms:

• Chiffon (rag, cloth)
• Vieux tissu (old fabric)
• Lambeau (shred, scrap)
• In figurative sense:
  • Épave humaine (human wreck)
  • Dépenaillé(e) (shabby, ragged)

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Antonyms:

• Propre (clean)
• Neuf / Nouvelle (new)
• Intact(e) (intact)
• Soigné(e) (well-groomed)

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Usage examples:

• Literal: "Elle nettoyait la fenêtre avec une loque." — She was cleaning the window with a rag.
• Figurative: "Après la course, il était une vraie loque." — After the race, he was totally exhausted.

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Summary:
Loque primarily means a rag or piece of old cloth. Figuratively, it can refer to a person who is beaten down, exhausted, or appearing very worn out.