Machin is a slang French masculine noun meaning thing or thingamajig. Other meanings including “what’s-his/her-name” and old grouch.

machin

thing, thingamajig

Machin

Word origin

Machin is related to the feminine noun machine (machine, device), which comes from machina in Latin.

Example sentences

This first example translates literally to “It’s what, this thing?” However, it really means “What the heck/hell is this?”

C’est quoi, ce machin ?

What the heck is this?

This sentence makes use of the conditional tense. Devoir (must, have to) in the conditional means “should”. Pouvoir (can, able to) in the conditional is used to express hypothetical actions.

Tu devrais téléphoner à Machin. Il pourrait venir nous aider.

You should call what’s-his-name. He can come help us.

This sentence uses sortir, meaning “to go out”.

Pascal est un vieux machin qui ne sort jamais de la maison.

Pascal is an old grouch who nevers goes out of the house.

Related lessons

• Truc – thing
• Conditional tense
• Quoi – what
• Jamais – never
• Maison – house

References

• WordReference
• Wiktionary

Word of the Day | Lessons by David Issokson

David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

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