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Merde!: The Real French You Were Never Taught at School

geneviève michael heath

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Learn all the French argot (slang), dirty words, and necessary tools of communication your teachers left out of their lesson plans with this essential survival guide to understanding everyday French.Deliciously saucy and full of wit Merde! is a practical guide for understanding French, as it really is spoken. This real-life resource is for anyone who remembers thumbing through English/French dictionaries for such words as "toilet paper" and "damn," as well as for the far more interesting, titillating terms that would never be used in polite conversation. But real French isn't spoken with the intent of being polite... With epithets for every occasion, a range of colorful idioms, and a wealth of come-ons and put-downs, this is the only language book you'll need to prepare for a trip to the city of lights.

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 1,1984

This edition

Format
112 pages, Paperback
Published
December 9, 1998 by Gallery Books
ISBN
9780684854274
ASIN
0684854279
Language
English

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About the author

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geneviève

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 22 votes)
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22 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
BlueCitric
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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FFS: the last thing americans abroad in France need is to be EVEN LESS POLITE.


Americans traveling abroad in France should be aware that their behavior and level of politeness can have a significant impact. It is crucial to understand and respect the local culture and customs. Politeness goes a long way in building positive relationships and avoiding misunderstandings.


Being less polite than necessary can lead to negative perceptions and even cause difficulties during the trip. Simple gestures like saying "please" and "thank you," using appropriate greetings, and showing respect for personal space and privacy can make a big difference.


Americans should also be mindful of their tone of voice and body language. Loud and brash behavior may be seen as disrespectful in a different cultural context. By making an effort to be more polite, Americans can enhance their travel experience and leave a positive impression on the French people they encounter.


In conclusion, while traveling abroad in France, Americans should strive to be as polite as possible. This will not only help them have a more enjoyable trip but also contribute to better cultural understanding and international relations.
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dvlsweet666
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is truly the most un-serious book when it comes to attempting an analysis on a linguistic level. However, I firmly stand by my assertion: comedic books frequently offer the most genuine perspectives on social issues and their contexts.
Yikes! There's an entire section dedicated to how to correctly 'indulge in racism and xenophobia', which is rather interesting! It's not the slightest bit problematic! But then again, the author contends that being racist and looking down on people is the most authentic way to be a French person. Hmm. No comment.
The author also argues that foreign influences on the French language are similar to an 'invasion', describing it as a sort of Sir Rod disease that requires containment. It's actually a rather prescriptivist book, albeit unintentionally, as the overarching message to the reader implies that to speak this language truly correctly, one must speak it in the most offensive way possible. That's definitely controversial, but it also enforces the idea that there's only one way to 'properly' speak French. How odd.

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Bararaq_Saiqa
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is truly hilarious and absolutely essential if you plan to spend any time in France (or in fact other francophone countries).

It provides you with all the details about the swear words available in the beautiful language.

What really makes this a little treasure is that the words are starred, enabling you to assess the severity of each insult.

This is useful because often there are no direct translations and the usage is very different.

We have had a great deal of fun bringing this out with our French friends, and now that my son is at secondary school in France, it is proving to be extremely valuable.

It has become an important part of our language learning and cultural exploration in the francophone world.

We highly recommend this to anyone who wants to have a better understanding of the French language and culture.

It's not just about learning the bad words, but also about understanding the context and the nuances of the language.

So, if you're planning a trip to France or just interested in learning more about the French language, give this a try.

You won't be disappointed!
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Singulariity
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I purchased a copy of this when I reached France in the late 1980s, being an adult.

It had a significant impact on my ability to comprehend everyday French, which was vastly different from what was taught in school.

It seems a bit absurd to still be suggesting this decades-old book, yet I haven't discovered a more contemporary substitute (recommendations are very much welcome).

I particularly appreciate the Michelin star system for the rudeness of various expressions. Three-star words should only be utilized among foul-mouthed friends. One star is acceptable in daily life.

This is an extremely valuable guide for making the transition from speaking grammatically correct French to sounding like a native and understanding everyday speech.

It helps you bridge the gap between the formal language learned in school and the real, colloquial French that you encounter on the streets, in conversations, and in various social situations.

Even after all these years, its practicality and usefulness remain unrivaled.
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TigerMafia
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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**Merde: The Real French You Were Never Taught at School by Genevieve (1986)**

In her work "Merde: The Real French You Were Never Taught at School," Genevieve (1986) delves into the hidden and often overlooked aspects of the French language.

She reveals that there is a whole world of expressions and vocabulary that are not typically taught in the formal school setting.

The word "merde," for example, is just one of the many colorful and perhaps somewhat scandalous terms that Genevieve explores.

These real French words and phrases add depth and authenticity to the language, but they are often shielded from the eyes and ears of students.

Genevieve's exploration not only provides a fascinating look into the true nature of the French language but also challenges the traditional notions of what is considered appropriate or proper in language learning.

By uncovering these hidden gems, she invites readers to expand their understanding and appreciation of the French language beyond the confines of the classroom.

Overall, "Merde: The Real French You Were Never Taught at School" is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that offers a unique perspective on the French language.
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Aszao
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Somewhat misogynistic, but that's slang for you.

This book has truly been a great asset in helping me understand conversational French to a much better extent.

The thing is, everyday French is far more vulgar than what your professor would have you believe.

It's like a whole new world of language that you don't get to see in the classroom.

The book presents the language in a raw and unfiltered way, which at first might seem a bit shocking, but it's actually quite eye-opening.

It allows you to get a real sense of how the French people communicate in their daily lives, with all the slang and idiomatic expressions that are so commonly used.

Thanks to this book, I now feel much more confident when it comes to having conversations in French, and I can understand a lot more of what people are saying.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn French and get a more authentic understanding of the language.
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purplie
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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**Title: [Original Article Title]**

The original article presented some interesting points. However, it could be enhanced by adding more details and examples.

For instance, when discussing [specific point from the original article], it would be beneficial to provide real-life scenarios or case studies to illustrate its significance. This would make the content more relatable and engaging for the readers.

Moreover, expanding on the analysis and offering different perspectives would add depth to the article. By considering alternative viewpoints and presenting counterarguments, the author can demonstrate a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.

In addition, the use of more vivid language and descriptive phrases would make the article more captivating. Instead of using general terms, the author could use more specific and colorful words to paint a clearer picture in the readers' minds.

Overall, by making these improvements, the article would not only be more informative but also more enjoyable to read, resulting in a higher rating of 4.5/5.
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euheinjr
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can assist you further.
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