In 15 Seconds
- A choice that is morally or aesthetically repulsive.
- Used to describe 'cringe' or unethical actions.
- Highlights a lack of taste or social grace.
Meaning
It refers to a choice that is morally wrong, visually repulsive, or socially unacceptable. It is a decision that leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reacting to a friend's bad fashion choice
Porter des chaussettes avec des sandales ? C'est une laid décision.
Wearing socks with sandals? That's an ugly decision.
Discussing a controversial company policy
Supprimer les pauses café était une laid décision du patron.
Cutting coffee breaks was an ugly decision by the boss.
Texting about a friend's dating choice
Franchement, sortir avec son ex, c'est la laid décision de l'année.
Honestly, dating her ex is the ugly decision of the year.
Cultural Background
In France, 'la laideur' is often associated with a lack of 'civisme' (civic duty). A decision that harms the public good is frequently called 'laide'. In Quebec, while 'laide' is understood, people might use 'plate' (boring/disappointing) for minor things, but 'laide' remains for serious moral issues. In Francophone West Africa, social harmony is key. A 'laide décision' is often one that disrespects elders or breaks communal bonds. Belgian French uses 'laide' similarly to France, often in political satire to mock the 'petitesse' of certain administrative choices.
Adjective Placement
Put 'laide' before 'décision' to sound more like a native speaker expressing a strong opinion.
Gender Agreement
Never say 'un laid décision'. It's a common mistake for English speakers because 'decision' feels neutral.
In 15 Seconds
- A choice that is morally or aesthetically repulsive.
- Used to describe 'cringe' or unethical actions.
- Highlights a lack of taste or social grace.
What It Means
La laid décision describes a choice that lacks grace or ethics. It is not just a 'bad' choice. It is a choice that feels 'dirty' or 'offensive' to look at. Think of it as a decision that breaks the harmony of a situation.
How To Use It
You use this when a choice is visibly or morally unpleasant. Use it like a standard noun phrase. You can place it after verbs like prendre (to take/make). It highlights that the outcome is aesthetically or ethically repulsive.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend picks a terrible outfit for a wedding. Use it when a boss fires someone on their birthday. It works well when discussing architecture that ruins a beautiful street. It is perfect for those 'cringe' moments in life.
- At a restaurant: When someone orders red wine with fish (to a purist).
- In a meeting: When a budget cut hurts the most vulnerable.
- Texting: When your friend decides to text their ex at 2 AM.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple mistakes. If you drop a glass, it is not a laid décision. Avoid it in very high-level legal documents. They prefer décision regrettable. It is too descriptive for a cold, clinical environment.
Cultural Background
French culture places high value on le bon goût (good taste). An 'ugly' decision is an affront to both logic and aesthetics. Historically, French intellectuals linked beauty with truth. To make an ugly decision is to fail both. It is a very visceral way to criticize someone's judgment.
Common Variations
You might hear une décision laide (the adjective after the noun). This is actually more grammatically standard. Using la laid décision (adjective before) is poetic or emphatic. You can also use une vilaine décision for something more mischievous. Une décision horrible is the more common, less 'artsy' cousin.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but carries strong emotional weight. Ensure the feminine agreement `laide` is used in formal writing, though `laid` is often used as a fixed concept in casual speech.
Adjective Placement
Put 'laide' before 'décision' to sound more like a native speaker expressing a strong opinion.
Gender Agreement
Never say 'un laid décision'. It's a common mistake for English speakers because 'decision' feels neutral.
The 'Moche' Alternative
If you are in a bar with French friends, use 'moche' instead of 'laide' to sound more natural.
Examples
6Porter des chaussettes avec des sandales ? C'est une laid décision.
Wearing socks with sandals? That's an ugly decision.
Focuses on the aesthetic failure of the choice.
Supprimer les pauses café était une laid décision du patron.
Cutting coffee breaks was an ugly decision by the boss.
Highlights the moral/social unpleasantness of the act.
Franchement, sortir avec son ex, c'est la laid décision de l'année.
Honestly, dating her ex is the ugly decision of the year.
Very casual and judgmental in a friendly way.
Construire ce bloc de béton ici est une laid décision architecturale.
Building this concrete block here is an ugly architectural decision.
Literal use regarding physical ugliness.
J'ai menti pour gagner, et je réalise que c'était une laid décision.
I lied to win, and I realize it was an ugly decision.
Reflects on the moral 'ugliness' of the action.
Cette loi représente une laid décision pour notre démocratie.
This law represents an ugly decision for our democracy.
Elevates the term to a critique of values.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the adjective 'laid'.
Le maire a pris une _______ décision en détruisant le vieux théâtre.
'Décision' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'laide'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best option:
'Laide décision' is the correct formal/neutral collocation. 'Moche' and 'naze' are too informal.
Match the situation with the most appropriate phrase.
Match the following:
'Une laide décision' is reserved for moral or aesthetic failures, not simple mistakes or boredom.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Il a refusé d'aider sa propre sœur. B: ____________________.
Placing 'laide' before 'décision' is the most natural way to express emotional disapproval in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe maire a pris une _______ décision en détruisant le vieux théâtre.
'Décision' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'laide'.
Choose the best option:
'Laide décision' is the correct formal/neutral collocation. 'Moche' and 'naze' are too informal.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Une laide décision' is reserved for moral or aesthetic failures, not simple mistakes or boredom.
A: Il a refusé d'aider sa propre sœur. B: ____________________.
Placing 'laide' before 'décision' is the most natural way to express emotional disapproval in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot always, but 90% of the time it is. It can also be about a very poor aesthetic choice, like architecture.
You can call a person 'laid', but 'une laide décision' specifically refers to their actions.
'Mauvaise' is a mistake; 'laide' is a failure of character or taste.
It is used in business to describe unethical moves, but it's quite strong. Use with caution.
Use 'la plus laide décision'.
Yes, 'laide' sounds more serious and formal. 'Moche' is more casual.
Yes, to describe a betrayal. 'C'était une laide décision de me mentir.'
Yes: 'de laides décisions'.
Very often. It's a favorite of 19th-century realist writers.
Yes, if you think the call was biased or unfair. 'Quelle laide décision de l'arbitre !'
Related Phrases
un mauvais choix
similara bad choice
une belle décision
contrasta beautiful/noble decision
un sale coup
informala dirty trick
une décision honteuse
similara shameful decision
