Level B2 (Informal/Slang)
The French word of the day is bordel, a colorful and widely used slang term. Learn its meanings, how to use it naturally, and similar expressions.
Meaning
Pronunciation with IPA
Example sentences
Related words and lessons
Meaning
Bordel literally means brothel, but in everyday French it’s slang for mess or chaos. It’s often used to describe a disorganized place or situation. It’s also used as a mild swear word, like saying “sh*t” or “damn it” in English.
Pronunciation
Example sentences
This first sentence uses a si clause with the present and future tense: Si + action in the present tense, then + action in the future tense. The verb ranger can translate to: To clean, to tidy and to put away.
Oh là là, quel bordel ! Si tu ne ranges pas tes jouets maman sera très fâchée !
Yikes! What a mess! If you don’t pick up your toys mom will be very mad!
This second sentence uses bordel as an expletive interjection meaning “sh*t” or “dammit!”. The expression en avoir marre means to be sick of or fed up. Connerie is a fun informal word meaning silly thing or stupid act.
Bordel de merde ! J’en ai marre de tes conneries !
Sh*t! I’m sick of your stupidity!
This final sentence uses bordel in the traditional sense of brothel or house of ill repute. Il y a means both there is (or there are) and ago.
Il y a quantre-vingt ans, c’était un bordel.
Eighty years ago it was a brothel.
Related words and lessons
- Enfoiré – b*stard, jerk
- foutre le bordel (to make a mess, slang
- désordre mess, disorder
- la pagaille chaos, shambles
- le foutoir slang for mess
- le bazar mess, also “bazaar”
- capharnaüm mess, clutter
