Meaning
To boast or display one's possessions or abilities to impress others.
Cultural Background
The term 'Bling-bling' was famously associated with President Nicolas Sarkozy in the 2000s, who was often accused of 'frimer' with his expensive watches and celebrity friends, contrasting with the traditional 'discrétion' expected of a French leader. In Quebec, while 'frimer' is understood, you might more often hear 'faire le smatte' (acting smart/tough) or 'se péter les bretelles' (snapping one's suspenders) to describe someone showing off. In Abidjan, 'la frime' is elevated to an art form called 'Le Boucan.' Members of the 'Sapélogie' movement (Sapeurs) 'friment' with high-end designer clothes as a form of social protest and identity. During the summer, members of the diaspora returning from Europe are sometimes accused of 'frimer' with their European cars and clothes, a phenomenon sometimes called 'le zbeul' or 'la frime du bled.'
Use it with 'un max'
To sound very native, say 'Il frime un max' (He's showing off a ton).
Don't use with bosses
Even if your boss is showing off, use 'se mettre en avant' to avoid sounding disrespectful.
Meaning
To boast or display one's possessions or abilities to impress others.
Use it with 'un max'
To sound very native, say 'Il frime un max' (He's showing off a ton).
Don't use with bosses
Even if your boss is showing off, use 'se mettre en avant' to avoid sounding disrespectful.
The 'M'as-tu-vu'
This is the perfect noun to describe the person who 'frime' constantly. It's a bit more old-fashioned but very descriptive.
Test Yourself
Conjugate 'frimer' in the correct form.
Hier, il ________ (passé composé) toute la soirée avec sa nouvelle Rolex.
The sentence requires the passé composé because it describes a completed action in the past ('Hier').
Which sentence uses 'frimer' correctly?
Select the grammatically correct option:
'Frimer' requires the preposition 'avec' when followed by the thing being shown off.
Match the person to the description.
Who is 'un frimeur'?
A 'frimeur' is someone who performs actions specifically for the gaze and envy of others.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang expression.
A: 'Regarde Marc, il a encore mis ses lunettes de soleil à l'intérieur.' B: 'Laisse tomber, il adore ________.'
While 'se pavaner' works, 'frimer' is the most common and natural slang choice for this specific behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bragging Registers
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHier, il ________ (passé composé) toute la soirée avec sa nouvelle Rolex.
The sentence requires the passé composé because it describes a completed action in the past ('Hier').
Select the grammatically correct option:
'Frimer' requires the preposition 'avec' when followed by the thing being shown off.
Who is 'un frimeur'?
A 'frimeur' is someone who performs actions specifically for the gaze and envy of others.
A: 'Regarde Marc, il a encore mis ses lunettes de soleil à l'intérieur.' B: 'Laisse tomber, il adore ________.'
While 'se pavaner' works, 'frimer' is the most common and natural slang choice for this specific behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not a swear word, but it is a criticism. Calling someone a 'frimeur' is like calling them a 'show-off'—it's not a compliment.
Rarely. It almost always implies that the person is being annoying or superficial. If you want to be positive, use 'être fier de'.
'Se vanter' is mostly verbal (bragging), while 'frimer' is often visual (showing off objects or status).
No, it's too informal. Use 'faire étalage de ses compétences' instead.
You can say 'C'est un grand frimeur' or 'C'est un frimeur de première'.
No, it's a coincidence! It comes from the old French word for face.
No, use 'frimer avec' or 'se vanter de'.
Yes, 'la frime' refers to the act or the culture of showing off.
It means 'no nonsense' or 'without trying to impress'.
Extremely. It's a core theme in many French rap lyrics.
Related Phrases
Se la jouer
synonymTo act like a big deal
Crâner
similarTo show off (often used by kids)
Faire le malin
similarTo act smart/tough
Se pavaner
similarTo strut like a peacock
Se la raconter
synonymTo talk oneself up
