verb
paumer
get lost
Definition & Meaning
The French verb "paumer" is an informal or colloquial term meaning "to lose" something. It is equivalent to "perdre" in standard French but is used in casual speech. Depending on context, it can also carry a sense of misplacing or getting lost oneself (for example, je me suis paumé can mean "I got lost").
So, its main meanings are:
- To lose something — in a casual or careless way.
- To get lost — when referring to a person who cannot find their way.
Grammar & Word Origin
- Part of speech: Verb (infinitive form).
- Conjugation: Regular verb ending in -er.
- Register: Slang or informal.
- Origin: Derived from the noun paume (meaning "palm" of the hand), possibly through the idea of something slipping from one’s palm — hence, losing it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
- perdre
- égarer
- se tromper de chemin [?](vocabuo://word/se tromper de chemin) (when meaning “to get lost”)
Antonyms:
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Examples
On a carrément paumé la route en cherchant le village !verb
We totally got lost while looking for the village!
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