French Word of the Day: Dégueulasse
This French adjective isn't just fun to say, it's also incredibly useful. But be careful, you don't want to use it in the wrong situation.
Why do I need to know dégueulasse?
Dégueulasse is used all the time in casual conversation but be careful, use it in the wrong situation and you could end up making enemies.
What does it mean?
Dégueulasse - roughly pronounced day-guh-lass - is the French equivalent of saying 'gross', 'manky', 'rank' and 'disgusting'. To practice pronouncing it, you can also try listening to this audio file.
It can also mean 'revolting', 'disgusting', 'despicable' and 'out of order!'.
Dégueulasse definitely falls into the category of informal French and can be used to describe pretty much anything, particularly food or someone's behaviour.
If you're out having a drink or coffee with friends, use it as liberally as you like, but it's not one to use in polite conversation. The more appropriate way to call something disgusting in French would be to say dégoûtant.
And naturally, you wouldn't someone to overhear you saying the meal they spent ages labouring over was dégueulasse. You can also say gros dégueulasse meaning 'filthy slob'.
Use it like this
Ce gâteau est dégueulasse: ne le mange pas! - This cake is disgusting, don't eat it!
Il a été puni alors qu'il n'avait rien fait : c'est dégueulasse! - He was punished when he didn't do anything, it's out of order!
Comments (3)
See Also
Why do I need to know dégueulasse?
Dégueulasse is used all the time in casual conversation but be careful, use it in the wrong situation and you could end up making enemies.
What does it mean?
Dégueulasse - roughly pronounced day-guh-lass - is the French equivalent of saying 'gross', 'manky', 'rank' and 'disgusting'. To practice pronouncing it, you can also try listening to this audio file.
It can also mean 'revolting', 'disgusting', 'despicable' and 'out of order!'.
Dégueulasse definitely falls into the category of informal French and can be used to describe pretty much anything, particularly food or someone's behaviour.
If you're out having a drink or coffee with friends, use it as liberally as you like, but it's not one to use in polite conversation. The more appropriate way to call something disgusting in French would be to say dégoûtant.
And naturally, you wouldn't someone to overhear you saying the meal they spent ages labouring over was dégueulasse. You can also say gros dégueulasse meaning 'filthy slob'.
Use it like this
Ce gâteau est dégueulasse: ne le mange pas! - This cake is disgusting, don't eat it!
Il a été puni alors qu'il n'avait rien fait : c'est dégueulasse! - He was punished when he didn't do anything, it's out of order!
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.