Meaning
Informal verb for working.
Cultural Background
The French often use 'bosser' to complain about their workload, a social ritual known as 'râler' (complaining). In Quebec, 'bosser' is used but 'travailler' remains slightly more dominant in casual speech compared to France. In Francophone Africa, 'bosser' is the primary word for studying hard for school success. Belgians use 'bosser' similarly to the French, but might also use 'bloquer' specifically for cramming before exams.
The 'Bosseur' Compliment
Calling someone 'un bosseur' is a high compliment in France. It means they are reliable and hardworking.
The Interview Trap
Never use 'bosser' in a job interview unless the interviewer uses it first—and even then, be careful!
Meaning
Informal verb for working.
The 'Bosseur' Compliment
Calling someone 'un bosseur' is a high compliment in France. It means they are reliable and hardworking.
The Interview Trap
Never use 'bosser' in a job interview unless the interviewer uses it first—and even then, be careful!
Academic Bosser
Use 'bosser' for studying to sound 10x more like a native student than using 'étudier'.
Test Yourself
Conjugate 'bosser' in the present tense.
Je ne peux pas venir, je ________ (bosser) ce soir.
The subject is 'Je', so the ending for a regular -er verb is -e.
Which sentence is appropriate for a job interview?
Comment dire 'I work well in a team' ?
In a formal interview, you must use the neutral verb 'travailler'.
Match the slang to its meaning.
Match the following:
These are all related to the semantic field of work in French slang.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Tu as fini tes devoirs ? B: Non, je ________ encore mes maths.
While all are grammatically correct, 'bosse' is the most natural in a casual conversation about homework.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal Work
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe ne peux pas venir, je ________ (bosser) ce soir.
The subject is 'Je', so the ending for a regular -er verb is -e.
Comment dire 'I work well in a team' ?
In a formal interview, you must use the neutral verb 'travailler'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related to the semantic field of work in French slang.
A: Tu as fini tes devoirs ? B: Non, je ________ encore mes maths.
While all are grammatically correct, 'bosse' is the most natural in a casual conversation about homework.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it's not rude, just informal. It's like saying 'work' instead of 'be employed' in English.
Only if you have a very casual relationship. If you use 'tu' with your boss, you can probably use 'bosser'.
'Taffer' is more 'street' or youth-oriented. 'Bosser' is universal slang used by all ages.
You say 'J'ai bien bossé' or 'J'ai bossé dur'.
Yes, it is understood and used throughout the Francophonie, though with slight regional nuances.
Yes, but usually for specific muscles: 'On bosse les bras today'.
Related Phrases
Taffer
synonymTo work (very informal)
Le boulot
similarThe job / work (noun)
Charbonner
similarTo grind / work hard
Bûcher
specialized formTo cram / study hard
Trimer
contrastTo slave away
