How to Learn French Canadian Slang

French Canadian slang is a series of expressions and words used in Quebec and other French-speaking parts of Canada. The slang words and phrases are unique. Most have become part of the popular culture, though the rougher expressions are best left on the street.

Instructions

1. Understand the origin of many French Canadian slang words. Many come from the Catholic church. The Catholic church has been an integral part of Quebec culture since the earliest settlers.

2. Use tabernacle (pronounced tah-bar-nak'). The literal translation refers to the box used to store communion wafers. Use tabernacle as a single expression in the "you've got to be kidding me" genre, -go heavy on the sarcasm or outrage here.

3. Add in the word "calisse." Again, this comes from the church, translated to mean chalice. In French Canadian slang, calisse (pronounced cah-liss or sometimes as caw-liss) substitutes nicely for tabernacle. Or, put them together if you are really outraged.

4. Listen for "le le le" at the end of a sentence. It sounds like "luh." Say it quickly three times in a row, with emphasis on the second "le." Literally it means "the-the-the," but in French Canadian slang it means "it's there" or "there you go."

5. Realize what someone is saying with the words "maudit bloke." The actual translation is a cursed guy. Usually it's reserved as an insult to an English-speaking Canadian.

6. Move to French Canadian slang that has a nicer tone. A fun expression is "tout le kit." It means "everything included."

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try to translate literally. As with any language, French Canadian slang is idiomatic and has evolved with the culture of Quebec.

• Don't compare French Canadian slang to that of France. The two are very different.

Resources

• The Bill Casselman website has a large collection of French Canadian slang expressions.