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putain

damn, fuck (expletive)

noun poo-TAN Common

Also means

whore (literal, vulgar)

Usage Note

Putain is arguably the most versatile French swear word, used to express surprise, frustration, admiration, or emphasis — much like English 'damn' or 'fuck' depending on tone. In southern France especially, it appears almost as a filler word. Its literal meaning is very offensive, so context and register matter enormously.

Examples

"Putain, c'est incroyable!"

Natural Translation

Damn, that's incredible!

Literal Translation

Fuck, it-is incredible

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