matou

tomcat

noun mah-TOO Rare

Usage Note

Matou is a familiar word for a male cat, especially a large or scruffy one. Unlike the neutral chat, it carries an affectionate or slightly humorous tone. The plural is matous. There is no direct feminine equivalent — a female cat is chatte.

Examples

"Le vieux matou dort sur le canapé."

Natural Translation

The old tomcat is sleeping on the sofa.

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