Beauf's 30 Expressions: A Journey to the Heart of Popular Language

The term “beauf” is often used to describe a certain typology of French character, perceived as vulgar, rude, racist or stereotypical. Although this name can be derogatory, it also has a humorous and nostalgic side for many. The redneck is the one who assumes his expressions and habits without complexes.

Here is an anthology of 30 expressions that could come out of the mouth of a typical beefcake.

1. “It’s not Versailles here!”
• Used to remind us that the house is not a palace and that we must not waste electricity.
2. “It’s not the sea to drink.”
• To say that the task required is not that difficult.
3. “Aren’t we comfortable here?”
• Often heard after opening a beer, sitting in an armchair.
4. “Don’t push grandma into the nettles.”
• To say that we should not exaggerate.
5. “If my aunt had one, we would call her uncle.”
• To say that assumptions are meaningless.
6. “We didn’t leave the inn.”
• To express that a situation is far from being resolved.
7. “It doesn’t break a duck’s three legs.”
• To say that it is not exceptional.
8. “It gives me a nice leg.”
• To say that it's useless.
9. “It’s cat pee.”
• To say that something is insignificant.
10. “We didn’t raise pigs together.”
• To say that we are not intimate enough for certain familiarities.
11. “The best soups are made in old pots.”
• To say that proven methods are the best.
12. “It touches one without moving the other.”
• To say that it does not affect at all.
13. “It’s the icing on the cake.”
• To say that it is the height or the last element which accentuates a situation.
14. “Let’s have a little foam.”
• To say that we are going to have a beer.
15. “You’re from the countryside, you.”
• A way of gently making fun of someone perceived as boorish or naive.
16. “A little gun for the road.”
• To say that we are going to have one last drink before leaving.
17. “We’re not going to let ourselves die of thirst!”
• To justify drinking even more alcohol.
18. “As long as there’s beer, there’s hope.”
• To say that you just need beer to be happy.
19. “A beer, or nothing.”
• To say that we don't want anything else to drink than a beer.
20. “Woman at the wheel, dead at the turn.”
• To express in a pejorative way the idea that women are bad drivers.
21. “Laughing woman, half in your bed.”
• To say that a woman who laughs at a man's jokes is already partly won over, often in a suggestive way.
22. “Go back to your pots!”
• To condescendingly tell a woman to return to domestic chores, implying that they are her only skill.
23. “It’s not the man who takes the beer, it’s the beer that takes the man.”
• A humorous way to justify alcohol consumption.
24. “Don’t worry, have a drink!”
• To get someone to drink more, often in a heavy joking manner.
25. “Who wants a little yellow?”
• To offer a glass of pastis, classic in certain regions of France.
26. “Make java”
• To say that we are celebrating in a lively way.
27. “It’s party time in neuneu!”
• To say that the party is a little ridiculous or awkward.
28. “It’s the bamboola”
• An outdated and offensive expression that was used to mean having a very lively party.
29. “Making a nouba”
• To say that we are having a big party.
30. “You have beautiful eyes, you know?”
A somewhat hackneyed classic to compliment someone's eyes.

So beauf or not beauf?

These expressions, although sometimes mocked, are part of the French linguistic and cultural heritage. They are a living testimony to the diversity and richness of popular language, capable of transmitting emotions and situations with a touch of humor and a lot of color. So, even if some may seem dated or stereotypical, they remain the reflection of a certain vision of the world, often imbued with common sense and pragmatism. To associate your words with a good spirit, don't hesitate to look at all our accessories and gifts for beaufs! And after all, isn’t that what the French spirit is?