flemme
laziness / can't be bothered
Beginner Noun Feminine
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Pronunciation
/flɛm/
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Cultural Note
From the old French 'flegme' (phlegm), because medieval humoral medicine blamed laziness on too much phlegm. 'J'ai la flemme' is the French national anthem of Sunday afternoons. It's not just being lazy — it's a philosophical stance against unnecessary effort. The French have elevated doing nothing to an art form, and 'la flemme' is its patron saint. Pairs beautifully with Netflix and a blanket.
📝 Example Sentences
J'ai la flemme de cuisiner, on commande ?
I can't be bothered to cook, shall we order in?
Flemme de sortir ce soir, je reste au lit.
Too lazy to go out tonight, I'm staying in bed.