Meaning
Informal verb for eating.
Cultural Background
The French love to complain about 'la malbouffe' (junk food) as a way to defend their culinary heritage. In Quebec, 'bouffer' is extremely common and sometimes used even in slightly more neutral contexts than in France. Belgians might use 'bouffer' when talking about a 'fricadelle' or 'frites' at a 'frietkot' (fry shack). In some regions, 'la bouffe' can metaphorically refer to the 'eating' of money or corruption.
The 'On' Rule
Always use 'On bouffe ?' instead of 'Nous bouffons ?' to sound more natural.
Watch the Setting
If there are white tablecloths and three forks, do NOT use the word 'bouffer'.
Meaning
Informal verb for eating.
The 'On' Rule
Always use 'On bouffe ?' instead of 'Nous bouffons ?' to sound more natural.
Watch the Setting
If there are white tablecloths and three forks, do NOT use the word 'bouffer'.
The Noun Trick
Use 'la bouffe' to describe a party's catering: 'Y'avait de la bonne bouffe !'
Irony
You can use 'bouffer' ironically in a fancy place with friends to mock the pretentiousness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'bouffer' in the present tense.
Les amis, on ______ quoi ce soir ?
In casual speech, 'on' is used instead of 'nous' and takes the third-person singular form.
Which situation is appropriate for using the word 'bouffer'?
Select the best context:
'Bouffer' is informal slang, perfect for close family and friends.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common idiomatic uses of the root 'bouff-'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang term.
A: J'ai faim ! B: Moi aussi, on va ______ un truc ?
In a casual 'I'm hungry' context between friends, 'bouffer' is the most natural choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to say 'To Eat' in French
The 'Bouff-' Family
Food
- • {la|f} bouffe
- • la malbouffe
- • bouffable
Actions
- • bouffer du kilomètre
- • bouffer du temps
Conflict
- • se bouffer le nez
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLes amis, on ______ quoi ce soir ?
In casual speech, 'on' is used instead of 'nous' and takes the third-person singular form.
Select the best context:
'Bouffer' is informal slang, perfect for close family and friends.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common idiomatic uses of the root 'bouff-'.
A: J'ai faim ! B: Moi aussi, on va ______ un truc ?
In a casual 'I'm hungry' context between friends, 'bouffer' is the most natural choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's not 'bad language' like a swear word, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'grub' instead of 'dining'.
Probably not, unless you have a very close, long-term relationship with them.
It's the French word for junk food (McDonald's, etc.). It's used very commonly in the media.
No, it can also mean to consume time, money, or energy.
It's regular: 'J'ai bouffé', 'Tu as bouffé', etc.
Yes, very much so! It's universal across the Francophonie.
It means to argue or bicker with someone.
Yes, it's perfectly fine for any kind of eating.
In casual spoken French among friends, yes, it is very frequent.
'Dévorer' means to eat greedily/quickly (neutral), while 'bouffer' is just the slang term for the act of eating.
No, for drinking slang, use 'picoler' or 'tisonner'.
The formal version is 'se restaurer' or 'dîner'.
Related Phrases
{la|f} bouffe
similarFood / Grub
la malbouffe
specialized formJunk food
se bouffer le nez
idiomTo bicker / fight
bouffable
builds onEdible / Tasty
bouffer du lion
idiomTo be full of energy
bouffer du kilomètre
idiomTo drive a lot
