Du coup is an informal expression commonly used in spoken French and translates to “so” and “as a result”. It is a verbal tic or filler word and is popular among young people. A synonym is et donc (so, consequently, thus).
Du coup
so, as a result
Expression origin
The French expression du coup translates literally to “from the punch” and originates from boxing. It is synonymous with à cause de (due to, because of). For example, le boxeur est tombé du coup de son adversaire (the boxer fell due to the punch of his opponent).
Example sentences
J’ai sommeil. Du coup, je vais faire une sieste.
I’m sleepy. So, I’m going to take a nap.
J’ai eu un problème avec ma boîte vocale et du coup, j’ai pas vu ton message.
I had a problem with my voicemail and as a result didn’t see your message.
Zut ! Le restaurant est fermé ! On mange quoi du coup ?
Shoot! The restaurant is closed. So, what are we doing to eat?
Je n’avais pas envie de travailler. Du coup, je suis sorti faire du sport.
I didn’t want to work. So, I went out to exercise.
For this last sentence, you can see that du coup truly is a filler word.
Du coup, on fait quoi ce weekend?
So, what are we doing this weekend?
Related lessons
- Donc – therefore
- Alors – so, then
- Grâce à vs. à cause de – due to
- Zut – shoot!
- Avoir envie de – to want
- Quoi – what
Reference
French expressions | Lessons by David Issokson
