French slang is everywhere online—on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and in every DM or comment section. If you’re learning French and curious about how native French speakers chat casually online, this guide is for you. We’ll explore formal and informal (but appropriate) French slang that is widely used on the internet, especially among younger people.
Perfect for A2 to B1 level learners, this article will help you understand and use online French expressions with confidence—without sounding like a textbook or being too rude. All vocabulary comes with English translations (in parentheses) and short dialogues to show you how they’re used naturally.
Let’s dive in!
1. Polite and Neutral Slang for Everyday Messages
These expressions are informal but still acceptable in most conversations, even with acquaintances:
- T’inquiète ! (Don’t worry!) — Often shortened to Tkt in text.
- C’est clair ! (So true!) — Used to strongly agree with someone.
- Grave (Totally!) — Also used to show agreement.
- Pas mal (Not bad) — Sounds relaxed, like saying “pretty good.”
- Ça roule ? (How’s it going?) — Very common in everyday chats.
Mini roleplay:
— On se voit ce soir ? (Are we meeting tonight?)
— Grave ! C’est clair que j’ai besoin de sortir un peu. (Totally! I definitely need to get out.)
2. Expressing Reactions with Emotion (Still Polite)
These slang expressions help you show emotion online without being vulgar:
- J’en peux plus (I can’t take it anymore) — Often shortened to Jpp.
- Mort de rire (MDR) (LOL) — Classic and polite.
- Trop marrant ! (So funny!) — More natural than “drôle.”
- Trop stylé ! (So cool!) — To describe something trendy.
- La honte ! (So embarrassing!) — Used when reacting to a mishap.
Mini roleplay:
— J’ai renversé mon café en plein entretien. (I spilled my coffee during the interview.)
— Oh non, la honte ! (Oh no, so embarrassing!)
3. Friendly Slang to Describe People (Respectful)
Here are some widely accepted expressions to describe people informally:
- Un BG (A handsome guy) — Short for beau gosse.
- Une meuf (A girl/woman) — Casual but not offensive.
- Trop sympa (Really nice) — More relaxed than just “sympa.”
- Un pote (A friend/mate) — Use instead of “ami.”
- Bien sapé(e) (Well dressed) — For complimenting style.
Mini roleplay:
— C’est qui ce mec bien sapé ? (Who’s that well-dressed guy?)
— C’est un pote à moi. Trop sympa ! (He’s a friend of mine. Super nice!)
4. Common Abbreviations in Text Messages
French texting is full of shortcuts. These are polite and easy to use:
- Bcp (beaucoup) — A lot.
- Ajd (aujourd’hui) — Today.
- Dsl (désolé(e)) — Sorry.
- Slt (salut) — Hi.
- C (c’est) — It’s.
Mini roleplay:
— Slt ! Dsl pr le retard, bcp de boulot ajd. (Hi! Sorry for being late, lots of work today.)
— Pas de souci. (No worries.)
5. Safe Informal Reactions Online
These are expressive without crossing the line:
- Ouf ! (Phew!/Crazy!) — To show surprise or relief.
- Y a pas de souci. (No problem.) — Relaxed version of “de rien.”
- Je suis crevé(e). (I’m exhausted.) — Common everyday phrase.
- J’ai la flemme. (I don’t feel like it.) — Used when you’re lazy.
- C’est relou. (That’s annoying.) — From “lourd,” means irritating but not rude.
Mini roleplay:
— Tu viens à la réunion Zoom ? (Are you joining the Zoom meeting?)
— J’ai trop la flemme… (I really don’t feel like it…)
6. Slang for Agreeing and Supporting
These expressions show you’re aligned with someone:
- T’as raison. (You’re right.)
- Je suis chaud(e). (I’m up for it.)
- Carrément ! (Absolutely!)
- Je valide. (I approve.)
- Je suis partant(e). (I’m in.)
Mini roleplay:
— On regarde un film ce soir ? (Movie tonight?)
— Carrément ! Je suis chaud. (Absolutely! I’m up for it.)
7. Slang About Daily Situations
Used often in casual chats:
- Ça passe. (It’s okay.)
- C’est pas ouf. (It’s not great.)
- Je gère. (I got this.)
- Galère. (Tough situation.)
- Je me débrouille. (I manage.)
Mini roleplay:
— Comment ça se passe au boulot ? (How’s work?)
— Galère, mais je me débrouille. (Tough, but I’m managing.)
8. Compliments & Encouragement
Express positivity online:
- Bravo ! (Well done!)
- Chapeau ! (Hats off!)
- T’es au top ! (You’re the best!)
- Ça le fait. (That works!)
- Continue comme ça ! (Keep it up!)
Mini roleplay:
— J’ai eu 18 à mon oral ! (I got 18 on my oral exam!)
— Bravo, t’es au top ! (Well done, you’re the best!)
9. Showing Understanding or Confusion
These phrases are polite ways to show reactions:
- Je vois. (I see.)
- Ah bon ? (Really?)
- C’est pas clair. (It’s not clear.)
- Tu peux répéter ? (Can you repeat?)
- J’ai pas tout suivi. (I didn’t catch everything.)
Mini roleplay:
— Et après, tu vas chez Julie, non ? (Then you’re going to Julie’s, right?)
— Euh, j’ai pas tout suivi. (Um, I didn’t catch that.)
10. Saying Goodbye Online
Here are some natural ways to say bye:
- À plus ! (See you!)
- Bonne soirée ! (Have a good evening!)
- À bientôt ! (See you soon!)
- Bonne nuit ! (Good night!)
- On s’appelle ? (Shall we call?)
Mini roleplay:
— Bon, je file ! (Alright, I’m off!)
— OK, à plus ! (OK, see you!)
Conclusion
French slang makes online conversations more authentic and natural. With the expressions you’ve learned here, you can reply to DMs, comment on videos, and text your French friends without sounding robotic—or worse, too formal.
Stick to polite, respectful slang that still feels casual and you’ll blend in smoothly in any chat.
Want to practice these phrases in real conversations? Book your free session now with Albert Learning and speak French naturally with our expert teachers!
