Skip to content

paperasserie

paperwork, red tape

noun pa-pe-ras-REE Rare

Origin: from paperasse, old paper

Usage Note

Paperasserie is a collective, pejorative noun for excessive bureaucratic documentation — the French equivalent of 'red tape'. It is always used in the singular and carries a tone of frustration. The source word paperasse (scrap of paper, useless document) is also used informally.

Examples

"Ce projet croule sous la paperasserie."

Natural Translation

This project is drowning in paperwork.

Explore French by topic