bâtard

bastard

noun bah-TAR Less Common

Origin: Old French, possibly from 'fils de bast' (packsaddle son)

Also means

mongrel (dog)

Usage Note

Bâtard historically meant an illegitimate child, but its primary modern use is as a vulgar insult. It also describes a mixed-breed dog (un chien bâtard) without vulgarity, and une baguette bâtarde is a type of bread loaf slightly larger than a standard baguette. Context determines register sharply. The final 'd' is silent.

Examples

"Ce chien est un bâtard sympa."

Natural Translation

This dog is a friendly mongrel.

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