In 15 Seconds
- Expresses extreme annoyance or physical repulsion toward something.
- Literally means 'to give pimples' or 'to give a rash'.
- Used figuratively for people, tasks, or situations you hate.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe something or someone that makes you feel physically or mentally repulsed. It's like saying something is so annoying or stressful that it literally gives you a skin rash.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining about a repetitive song
Cette chanson me donne des boutons à force de l'entendre.
This song gives me the creeps because I've heard it so much.
Talking about a pretentious person
Son arrogance me donne vraiment des boutons.
His arrogance really makes my skin crawl.
Expressing dread about paperwork
Remplir ces formulaires administratifs me donne des boutons.
Filling out these administrative forms gives me a rash.
Cultural Background
In France, expressing that something 'donne des boutons' is often a way to signal one's high standards or 'bon goût' (good taste) by rejecting what is perceived as vulgar or annoying. While understood, Quebecers might also use 'ça me tape sur les nerfs' or 'ça me gosse' for similar levels of annoyance, but 'donner des boutons' remains a more 'colorful' choice. Belgian speakers use the phrase identically to the French, often in the context of complaining about the complex national bureaucracy. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, the phrase is used but often competes with local metaphors involving 'fatigue' or 'nerves'. It sounds quite 'European' or 'formal' in these contexts.
Use 'Rien que de'
To sound like a native, start your sentence with 'Rien que d'y penser...' (Just thinking about it...). It adds the perfect dramatic flair.
Don't use with 'Aimer'
Don't say 'Je n'aime pas quand ça me donne des boutons.' The phrase itself already implies you hate it. Just say 'Ça me donne des boutons !'
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses extreme annoyance or physical repulsion toward something.
- Literally means 'to give pimples' or 'to give a rash'.
- Used figuratively for people, tasks, or situations you hate.
What It Means
Imagine something so irritating that your skin starts to crawl. In French, donner des boutons is the perfect way to express extreme annoyance. It doesn't mean you have a medical condition. It means a person, a task, or a situation is driving you crazy. It is the linguistic equivalent of saying 'that gives me the creeps' or 'that makes my skin crawl.' You use it when you find something truly unbearable or repulsive.
How To Use It
The grammar is very straightforward. You use it just like the English verb 'to give.' The subject is the thing that annoys you. For example, Cette musique me donne des boutons. You can also use it for people. If a coworker is constantly bragging, they might donner des boutons to the whole office. Just remember to use the indirect object pronoun (me, te, lui, nous, vous, leur) before the verb donne.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to be expressive about your dislikes. It’s great for talking about pet peeves. Are you stuck in traffic? Does your computer keep crashing? These are perfect moments. It works well in casual conversations with friends. It’s also common when discussing politics or social trends you find frustrating. It adds a bit of flair to your complaints. It shows you aren't just mildly annoyed; you are physically reacting to the stress.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal or professional settings. Don't tell your boss that their new strategy donne des boutons. It’s too visceral and a bit rude. Also, don't use it for actual medical allergies. If you actually have a rash from strawberries, use j'ai une allergie. This phrase is strictly for figurative, emotional, or psychological irritation. Using it for a real rash will lead to a very confusing conversation with a doctor.
Cultural Background
French culture often embraces the physical manifestation of emotions. The idea that the mind and body are linked is very common in the language. We see this in other phrases like avoir la boule au ventre (to have a knot in the stomach). Donner des boutons likely stems from the 20th century. It reflects the common experience of stress-induced hives. It’s a very 'visceral' culture, where feelings aren't just felt; they are lived through the body.
Common Variations
You might hear ça me file des boutons. The verb filer is a more informal version of donner. It’s very common in street French. Another variation is donner de l'urticaire. This is slightly more dramatic. It literally means 'to give hives.' If someone is being extremely obnoxious, you might upgrade to the hives version. Both convey the same sense of deep-seated irritation and desire to escape the situation.
Usage Notes
This phrase is solidly in the informal register. It is expressive and slightly hyperbolic. Use it when you want to vent frustration in a colorful way.
Use 'Rien que de'
To sound like a native, start your sentence with 'Rien que d'y penser...' (Just thinking about it...). It adds the perfect dramatic flair.
Don't use with 'Aimer'
Don't say 'Je n'aime pas quand ça me donne des boutons.' The phrase itself already implies you hate it. Just say 'Ça me donne des boutons !'
The 'Râleur' Spirit
Embrace the complaining! This phrase is most effective when said with a slight sigh or a roll of the eyes.
Examples
6Cette chanson me donne des boutons à force de l'entendre.
This song gives me the creeps because I've heard it so much.
Focuses on the repetitive nature of the annoyance.
Son arrogance me donne vraiment des boutons.
His arrogance really makes my skin crawl.
Used to describe a personality trait that is unbearable.
Remplir ces formulaires administratifs me donne des boutons.
Filling out these administrative forms gives me a rash.
A classic French complaint about bureaucracy.
Rien que d'y penser, ça me donne des boutons !
Just thinking about it gives me the creeps!
Shows a strong emotional reaction to an idea.
Il était tellement impoli, il m'a filé des boutons.
He was so rude, he totally grossed me out.
Uses the informal 'filer' instead of 'donner'.
Ce concept de publicité me donne un peu des boutons.
This ad concept makes me a bit uneasy.
Softened with 'un peu' to express strong dislike for a design.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct pronoun and the phrase 'donner des boutons' in the present tense.
Cette musique est horrible ! Elle ___ (me) ___.
The subject is 'Elle' (the music), and the object is 'me'.
Which situation best fits the use of 'donner des boutons'?
Dans quelle situation utiliseriez-vous cette expression ?
The phrase is used for recurring annoyances or 'pet peeves'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Tu veux venir voir le nouveau film de ce réalisateur ? B: Oh non, son style prétentieux ___.
The context of 'prétentieux' implies a negative reaction/repulsion.
Match the feeling to the expression.
Associez le sentiment à l'expression : 'Une répulsion physique et mentale face à une habitude agaçante.'
'Donner des boutons' specifically describes that visceral annoyance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCette musique est horrible ! Elle ___ (me) ___.
The subject is 'Elle' (the music), and the object is 'me'.
Dans quelle situation utiliseriez-vous cette expression ?
The phrase is used for recurring annoyances or 'pet peeves'.
A: Tu veux venir voir le nouveau film de ce réalisateur ? B: Oh non, son style prétentieux ___.
The context of 'prétentieux' implies a negative reaction/repulsion.
Associez le sentiment à l'expression : 'Une répulsion physique et mentale face à une habitude agaçante.'
'Donner des boutons' specifically describes that visceral annoyance.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's a bit strong for someone you love. It implies a level of repulsion. Better to use 'Tu m'agaces' or 'Tu me tapes sur les nerfs.'
Always plural 'des boutons'. One pimple isn't enough to express this level of annoyance!
No, it's not vulgar. It's informal and colorful, but you can say it in front of children or in a relaxed office.
They are 99% synonymous. 'Urticaire' (hives) might sound slightly more dramatic or sophisticated.
Only if you want to quit. It's quite insulting as it suggests their presence is physically repulsive to you.
Yes! You can say 'Ce papier peint me donne des boutons' if you find it incredibly ugly.
No. There is no physical skin reaction idiom for 'I love this' in French, other than 'avoir quelqu'un dans la peau' (to be in love/obsessed).
Use the passé composé: 'Son attitude m'a donné des boutons.'
Yes, it is universally understood in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and Africa.
Usually, it's for visual, auditory, or behavioral triggers. For a smell, 'ça me donne la nausée' (it makes me nauseous) is more common.
Related Phrases
donner de l'urticaire
synonymTo give hives
sortir par les yeux
similarTo be sick to death of someone/something
courir sur le haricot
similarTo get on someone's nerves
avoir quelqu'un dans le nez
similarTo dislike someone strongly
