So here are The Local we have previously explored how the French are, in general, a polite nation.
Observing the courtesies such as Bonjour is extremely important in France, and Anglophones who are too sloppy or casual in their address have been known to earn themselves a sharp rebuke.
We've exploded the myth that the French are rude, that what can be taken for rudeness is often simply a more formal or structured way of doing things that can clash with a more casual British or American style.
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- Why Bonjour is the most important word in the French language
- The French are not really rude, it's all a big misunderstanding
And of course France itself has so many things to love – from the amazing food to the beautiful countryside and rich cultural offerings – that living here is a great joy.
All that said, however, there are times when everyone will need to blow their top. And if you've truly decided that is enough is enough and someone needs to be given a piece of your mind, there is nothing worse than not having the correct vocabulary to express your fury.
So we've helpfully gathered together some of the best phrases for expressing everything from mild disappointment to utter, incandescent, eye-popping rage.
1. Chiant/e
So let's start gently with a relatively mild insult.
Chiant/e is the adjective derived from the verb chier which is a vulgar way to say 'to crap' or 'to shit'.
But despite this chiant/e isn't quite as offensive or distasteful as you might think.
It is frequently used in conversation to describe something as 'really irritating', 'really annoying', 'really boring' or in more extreme slang 'a pain in the ass'.
For example you could say, Ce film est super chiant, ne va pas le voir. – 'This film is super annoying, don't go and see it.'
Or in its feminine form: J'en ai marre de ma petite sœur : elle est chiante! – 'I'm sick of my little sister: she's really irritating!'
2. Relou
3. Ta guele!
This brings us neatly to number three on the list, which is used more directly to a person, rather than about them. If you're using this, you've passed the point of trying to reason politely with someone.
“Nanterre Vénère en lutte contre la sélection et le plan étudiant”https://t.co/UAtSvJsbCE
— BFMTV (@BFMTV) 3 October 2018
4. Vénère
Not exactly an insult as such, but if you want to tell people that you're really, really angry this is the way to do it.
Vénère is another verlan one and it's one that you will frequently see in street demos and protests as people describe themselves as well and truly pissed off.

5. Tu m'emmerdes
If your neighbour has kept you awake for the third night in a row partying or arguing with his significant other, that would probably be an appropriate time for this phrase.


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