France

French Slang for Approval & Praise

4 French slang terms for approval & praise, each with its meaning, how it is pronounced and an example of it in use.

Words for saying something is good, impressive or exactly right. Nearly every language builds a large vocabulary here, and the words turn over fast — yesterday’s compliment is this year’s cringe.

chouette

adjective, interjection · Dated

Nice, lovely, great. Gently dated — warm, a little old-fashioned, and the sort of word a grandparent uses approvingly.

kiffer

verb · Informal · kee-FAY

To love, to really enjoy. Je kiffe ce morceau — 'I love this track'.

+1 more sense

ouf

adjective, interjection · Informal

Crazy, mad, incredible. Verlan for fou. Un truc de ouf is 'something insane', usually admiringly.

+1 more sense

sympa

adjective · Colloquial

Nice, friendly, pleasant. Of people above all, but also of places and plans. One of the most-used adjectives in spoken French.