paperasse

paperwork, red tape

noun pah-puh-RAHS Rare

Usage Note

Paperasse is a mildly pejorative collective noun for tedious or excessive paperwork. It is almost always used in a derogatory or exasperated tone. The plural paperasses also exists. The related verb se noyer dans la paperasse (to drown in paperwork) is a common expression.

Examples

"Il est perdu dans la paperasse administrative."

Natural Translation

He is lost in administrative paperwork.

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