How to say gay in French
35 French Gay Slang Terms You Should Know
Gay jargon, wherever you encounter it, often displays wit, vibrant expressiveness, and a straightforward charm. This holds true for French gay slang.
French gay terminology often draws on English/American gay slang, and, much like its straight counterpart, a certain familiarity with it can be beneficial, regardless of one's sexual orientation.
Inquiring about gay, lesbian, or homosexual terms in French? We've compiled a helpful list for your consideration!
A cautionary note: This material might contain certain sexual terminology that some individuals find objectionable.
Therefore, if this sort of content is sensitive to you, please refrain from proceeding. Otherwise, delve into the categorized slang—terms for gay men and terms for lesbians.
A PDF version of this list is available for download.
French Slang for Gay Men
| French Gay Slang Term | English Equivalent | Meaning |
| Actif | Top | The gay partner who takes the initiating role in sexual activity. |
| Passif | Bottom | The gay partner who is the recipient of sexual activity; the passive partner. |
| Un Ours / Un bear | A Bear | A term for a gay man who is physically larger, often more mature, and hairier. |
| Calinodrôme | "Hugport/ Hugdrome" (a neologism) | A concept of the "Les Flamands Roses" association, where a group of LGBT partners engage in non-sexual affection (hugs = calins). |
| Chaser (or Chasseur) | A bear chaser | A gay man who seeks out and prefers "bears." |
| Comtesse | Countess | A well-mannered, elegant, and often financially secure gay man of a more typical age. |
| Ourson | Bear cub | A larger, hairier, but younger gay man. |
| Copine | girlfriend | The female counterpart to "copain," meaning friend, often used in specific LGBT settings. |
| Crevette / Minet | Twink | A younger, leaner, and typically less hairy gay man. |
| Daddy | Daddy | A financially secure and mature gay man. |
| Dinde | Turkey | An effeminate gay man who is fashion-conscious. Essentially a metrosexual gay man. |
| Discret | Discreet | A reserved and private gay man who handles his sexual affairs discreetly. |
| Eddy | A homophobic individual with violent tendencies. | |
| FAP (or Fag Hag) | Fag Hag | A woman who prefers the company of gay men. |
| Folle (or Follasse) | Queen | An effeminate gay man |
| Giton | Freeloader (financially supported) | A gay man who is financially supported by a more mature gay man. |
| Grande dame | A somewhat aloof adult gay man who flaunts himself in bars, often neglecting others. | |
| Grande folle | An excessively flamboyant gay man, exaggerating his femininity. | |
| Loutre | Otter | A hairy (but slim) gay man. |
| Roux | Ginger | A gay man with red hair. |
| Sportif | Jock | A sporty gay man with an athletic physique. |
| Ours Polaire | Polar bear | An elderly, hairy gay man with graying or white hair. |
| Sub. | Submissive | A gay man who enjoys playing a subordinate and passive role in sexual activity. |
| Triaudes | Gay social gathering place. | |
| Vanilla | Soft sexual play; non-kinky sexual activity. | |
| YAG (Gay upside down) | Homosexual individuals who shun association with gay communities and are defined by their unique lifestyle. |
French Slang for Lesbians
Lesbians also possess their own distinctive slang. Here are some common expressions.
| French Lesbian Slang | English Equivalent | Meaning |
| Balasko | A derogatory term for a masculine, often aggressive lesbian (named after a character played by actress Josiane Balasko). | |
| Butch | Butch | A lesbian with masculine appearance, behavior, attire, language, and interests. Similar to "truck driver." |
| Bolès Lesbienne | Lesbian | A derogatory term for a lesbian, derived from "lesbo," but perceived as offensive. |
| Camionneuse | Truck driver | A lesbian who is overtly masculine; a butch lesbian. |
| Étoile d'or | "A gold star" | A lesbian who has never had sex with a man. |
| Fem | Feminine | A lesbian who embraces her femininity. |
| Futch/bem | Futch | A lesbian who maintains a feminine appearance but with masculine dress and/or style. |
| La sexualité Bambi | "The Bambi sexuality" | Sexual interaction mainly involving touch, kisses, and cuddling. |
| Lesbienne Lipstick « rouge à lèvres » | Lesbian "lipstick" | A very feminine and stylish dress code for lesbians. |
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Conclusion
French gay slang, like its counterparts in other languages, can be humorous yet potentially offensive. Knowing such terms can be helpful for interacting with LGBTQ+ communities and expressing gay identities in French. Remember to always treat others with respect and kindness.
If you'd like to contribute further terms or discover the English equivalents for those listed, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
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French slang to describe people and places on a night out