putain
damn / f*ck / holy sh*t
Intermediate Interjection
🔊
Pronunciation
/py.tɛ̃/
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Cultural Note
The word that makes French, French. Literally means 'prostitute' but functions as the most versatile expletive in the language. It can express frustration, amazement, joy, anger, admiration, or just serve as a comma. In the south of France (especially Marseille and Toulouse), it's used so frequently that it's basically filler, like 'um.' The expression 'putain de merde' is the nuclear option. Linguists have written actual academic papers on its range of meanings.
📝 Example Sentences
Putain, j'ai raté le bus !
Damn, I missed the bus!
Putain c'est bon ce gâteau !
Holy sh*t this cake is delicious!