recaler
to reject / to turn down / to shoot down
Advanced Verb
🔊
Pronunciation
/ʁə.ka.le/
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Cultural Note
Originally meaning 'to fail' (as in an exam), 'recaler' has become standard slang for romantic rejection. 'Se faire recaler' (to get rejected) is less dramatic than 'se prendre un râteau' but implies a clear, decisive no. It can also be used for getting turned away from a nightclub by the bouncer.
📝 Example Sentences
Elle l'a recalé direct quand il lui a proposé un verre.
She shot him down immediately when he offered her a drink.
Je me suis fait recaler trois fois ce soir, j'abandonne.
I got turned down three times tonight, I give up.