nounnouninterjection
la putain
fuck
C'est un mot familier et vulgaire utilisé pour exprimer la surprise, la colère ou l'agacement.
The word "putain" in French is a very common and versatile slang term, but it is considered vulgar.
Meaning:
- Originally, "putain" means "prostitute" or "whore."
- In everyday speech, it is mostly used as an exclamation or interjection, similar to "damn," "shit," or "fuck" in English, expressing frustration, surprise, anger, or emphasis.
- It can also function as an intensifier before adjectives or nouns: e.g., "putain de problème" means "damn problem" or "fucking problem."
Synonyms and differences:
- "merde" (literally "shit"): vulgar exclamation, similar use but less strong than "putain."
- "zut" or "mince": mild and polite substitutes, mean "darn" or "shoot," avoiding vulgarity.
- "bordel" (literally "brothel"): also used as an exclamation, vulgar, expressing disorder, chaos, or frustration.
Summary:
- "Putain" is vulgar and should be used carefully.
- It can show strong emotion or emphasis.
- Its literal meaning as "prostitute" is usually ignored in modern colloquial use except in very literal contexts.
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Examples
Parfois, certains utilisent le mot « putain » pour exprimer une forte émotion.noun
Sometimes, some people use the word "fuck" to express a strong emotion.
Beaucoup de personnes utilisent le mot putain quand elles sont surprises.noun
Many people use the word fuck when they are surprised.
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