It's more common than ever these days for friends to communicate online or by text. In fact, being able to quickly message people from all over the world is an amazing asset for language learners!
However, if you've ever chatted with someone in French, you might have noticed that the way they talk isn't exactly the same as your textbooks. Native speakers often use slang in casual conversation, and this is especially true for using many abbreviations in text messages. If you're learning French, then this cultural aspect of the language can't be ignored.
So, here we present you with French texting abbreviations that will help you sound like a native speaker!
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Why Should You Learn French Text Lingo?
Learning French texting language won't just help you communicate more naturally and confidently with your French friends -- it's also genuinely useful! Texting shorthands save time and are perfect for quickly communicating information (and staying under character limits).
Plus, texting language is incredibly nuanced. If you've ever obsessed over someone ending a sentence with a period instead of an exclamation point, then you'll understand that many abbreviations can help you convey your tone and level of formality.
A Guide to French Text Abbreviations
Now that you know why you should learn about French texting slang, it's time to start actually learning! This list may seem long, and it's hardly exhaustive, but don't be alarmed -- it's easy once you understand a few simple patterns.
Simplifying Sounds
Similar to English phrases like "c u l8r," French texting lingo shortens words by using single letters , numbers, and occasionally symbols to stand in for longer letter combinations with a similar sound. To use an English example...
- See = C
- You = U
- Later = L8r
Here's a French version with the phrase:
- À demain (see you tomorrow):
- À = A
- de = 2
- ain = 1
Notice how even though the sounds are only approximately the same, the number 1 (pronounced "un") is used to replace "ain."
Convenient Lettering
Similarly, notice how in the above example, the accented vowel À is replaced by a normal A. The same thing the phrase ça va -- it changes to sa va to eliminate the special character. Text messaging is all about simplicity.
It is also common for words to be written with just enough letters for the point to get across, like bonjour being shortened to bjr. Silent letters like "e" or "h" are almost always removed.
Common Text Message Terms
For this list of French internet slang, we'll start with the abbreviation and full written form, then the English translation, along with the corresponding English abbreviation, if there is one.
Greetings and Goodbyes
Cc =
slt=
Bjr =
Bsr =
A+ or ++ =
A12C4 =
12C4 =
A TT =
Je re =
a2m1 =
ALP =
BIZ =
J'y go=
Questions
Pk =
Cki ? =
QDN =
Sa va =
Expressions
MDR =
It’s the equivalent of LOL (laughing out loud).
EXPDR =
The equivalent of ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing) or LMAO (laughing my ass off).
DDD =
CPG =
DQP =
AM(H)A =
AMS =
C1Blag =
RSTP =
PEH =
MDA =
Mci =
STP =
SVP =
Dsl =
JTM or Je t’M =
JSG =
TKT =
Other Useful French Slang
C =
C Ca =
CT=
G =
GT=
QQ1 =
QQC =
RAS =
tt =
Auj =
DAC =
b1sur =
ENTK =
Pr toi =
Bcp =
bi1to =
CB1 =
CAD =
FDS =
JMS =
TJS =
KDO =
TLM =
RDV =
RAF =
V1 =
Slang Etiquette: Being Polite While Texting in French
Did you notice how almost all the included phrases used tu rather than vous when directed at another person? French people value politeness and respect, so be careful.
Slang is considered more informal and is usually used among friends and peers, but it depends on the context. Using some shorthand abbreviations in a quick update to a colleague probably won't get you in trouble. However, when in doubt, remember your nétiquette rules, and write things out in full.
The Bottom Line
Texting utilizes a lot of convenient shorthand that may seem strange to beginning French learners, but all it takes is a little practice! Soon, you'll sound like a native when you message your French friends.
But, as always, if you aren't quite ready to jump into a conversation with a French person, why not check out Readle? By reading and listening to short stories at your level, you'll quickly gain the knowledge you need to succeed on your language-learning journey.
