Day 3278 (Saturday) 30th May 2026

This is Villefranche-sur-Mer

and this is Eze Village.

 

It was another beautiful sunny day and there was yet another cruise ship in the bay – this was a big one.

I got a message from Dee inviting us to have lunch in the Cave de Nature, which is on our street and we happily agreed.

 

We met in Le Phare and had a few beers before going to lunch. Huw had the salmon and I had the duck croquettes, they were both very good.

From the restaurant we could admire this pretty balcony

I found this article about French insults, it’s a bit long so I’ll post it over two days…

From Witty to Savage: 35 French Insults You Need to Know

 

35 French Insults and When to Use (or Avoid) Each

If you're interested in learning to insult someone in French, you've come to the right place. Here are some dangerously useful insults in French. Just remember to be careful not to use these with the wrong people, as many of them are quite rude and can be very offensive.

1. Fiche le camp

This French insult means “Get lost” or “Scram” and is a dismissive way to tell someone to leave you alone. It’s not the harshest insult, but it’s firm enough to make your point. Use it sparingly with friends in a playful context, but avoid it in formal settings or with people you don’t know well—it can be rude.

2. Andouille

Though it literally refers to a type of sausage, andouille is a playful French slang insult that means “dummy” or “idiot.” It’s perfect for teasing a friend who’s done something silly or clumsy. Be careful not to use it with strangers or in serious situations, though, as it may lose its lighthearted charm. 

3. Boudin

This insult isn’t very flattering, as it’s used to criticise someone’s looks, often implying they’re unattractive or chubby. It stems from the word for “blood sausage.” Because of its offensive nature, boudin is best left unused unless you’re looking for trouble—keep this one in the “not to say” column.

4. Con

One of the most versatile French insults, con is a harsh way to call someone an “idiot” or “moron.” It’s often used to express frustration when someone does something incredibly foolish. While common in informal French, it’s still quite direct, so think twice before using it.

5. Chiant

Chiant roughly translates to “annoying” or “a pain in the neck.” It’s a great word to vent frustration when something—or someone—is driving you crazy. While not the worst insult, it’s informal and slightly vulgar, so avoid it in professional situations or around people you don’t know well. If you want to use its feminine form, it'd be "chiante."

6. Lavette

Calling someone a “lavette” (dishrag) is like calling them weak, spineless, or a pushover. It’s a subtle insult, perfect for situations where someone’s lacking courage or assertiveness. However, it’s still insulting, so use it cautiously and not with someone you need to get along with.

7. Beauf

A beauf is your classic “uncouth” or tacky person—someone who lacks sophistication or manners. The term pokes fun at people who are culturally unaware, often used to describe stereotypical behavior. It’s sharp and judgmental, so keep this one reserved for light jokes among close friends.

8. Plouc

Plouc is a wonderfully snappy insult that means “hick” or “country bumpkin.” It’s used to mock someone as being unsophisticated or out of touch with modern life. While it’s not the most vulgar insult, it can still offend, especially in rural contexts, so tread lightly.

9. Crétin

A slightly old-school insult, crétin means “fool” or “idiot.” It’s a little less vulgar than con but still sharp enough to pack a punch. Use it for someone being clueless or dense, but avoid it in situations where you want to maintain respect or politeness.

10. Enculé

This is one of the more offensive insults on the list, meaning “bastard” or something far worse. It’s incredibly vulgar and should only be used if you’re prepared for the consequences. Best to leave this one alone unless you’re fluent in French drama.

11. Putain

Putain is the Swiss Army knife of French swear words, meaning “damn” or “f**k.” It’s often used as an exclamation of frustration, similar to yelling “dammit!” in English. While it’s incredibly common in spoken French, it’s still a swear word and sometimes can be used to make other insults even more harsh.

12. Blaireau

The literal translation is “badger,” but in French slang, blaireau is used to call someone a “doofus” or a “loser.” It’s not the harshest insult, making it a good option for light teasing among friends. Still, tone and context matter, so be sure your intent is clear. 

13. Glandu

Calling someone a glandu is like saying they’re “lazy” or “a slacker.” It’s often used to describe people who loaf around doing nothing. While it’s less vulgar, it’s still insulting, so reserve it for friends who can take a joke (not your boss or grandmother).

14. Casse-toi

While this French insult literally translates to "break yourself," it's used to say, “Get out of here” or “Buzz off.” It’s direct, dismissive, and often used when someone’s overstaying their welcome or pushing your buttons. While it’s not the worst thing to say, it’s far from polite, so avoid it in formal company.

I will post the rest of them tomorrow…

This was Badger this afternoon on Huw’s sunbathing chair.