un râteau
a rejection / a brush-off (lit. a rake)
Advanced Noun Masculine
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Pronunciation
/ʁɑ.to/
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Cultural Note
The expression 'se prendre un râteau' (to take a rake to the face) is wonderfully vivid French slang for getting rejected. It paints the picture of stepping on a rake and getting smacked. It's widely used among young French people and perfectly captures the sting of rejection with dark humor.
📝 Example Sentences
Il s'est pris un râteau monumental devant tout le monde.
He got brutally rejected in front of everyone.
J'ai peur de me prendre un râteau si je lui parle.
I'm afraid of getting rejected if I talk to her.