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dégaine

look, appearance (odd or striking)

noun deh-GEN Rare

Usage Note

Dégaine is an informal noun describing someone's overall look, gait, or bearing — usually with a note of oddness or distinctiveness. Saying quelle dégaine! ('what a getup!') implies the appearance is unusual or ungainly. The word derives from dégainer ('to draw a sword'), suggesting the way someone 'presents' themselves.

Examples

"Il a une drôle de dégaine avec ce chapeau."

Natural Translation

He has a funny look with that hat.

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