bordel
mess / chaos / what the hell
Intermediate Noun Masculine
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Pronunciation
/bɔʁ.dɛl/
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Cultural Note
Literally means 'brothel,' but is used to mean 'mess' or as an exclamation of frustration. 'C'est le bordel' describes any chaotic situation — your messy room, French politics, the Paris Métro during a strike. It's slightly less vulgar than 'putain' but still not something you'd say to your boss. The combo 'putain de bordel de merde' is the French rage trifecta — a three-stage rocket of profanity for maximum impact.
📝 Example Sentences
C'est quoi ce bordel dans ta chambre ?
What is this mess in your room?
Bordel, ça fait trois heures qu'on attend !
What the hell, we've been waiting for three hours!