Differences between Parisian and youth slang in France
Parisian slang and French youth slang share some overlap but also have distinct characteristics and differences in usage and expression.
Parisian slang is known for terms rooted in the Parisian urban culture, often found in everyday speech in the French capital. Examples include words like “oklm” (means cool, calm, and relaxed), “chiant/re-lou” (annoying), and “arnaque” (a scam or rip-off). Parisian slang tends to reflect the specific cultural and social environment of Paris, including influences from local neighborhood and youth culture. It is widely used in casual conversations among young Parisians and can differ from slang found in other regions of France. 1, 2
Youth slang in France, more broadly, is characterized by trendy, playful, and sometimes provocative language often used by teenagers and young adults. This slang incorporates verlan (a form of backward slang), borrowings from other languages (especially English and Arabic), abbreviations, and vulgarities. Examples of popular youth slang words include “wesh” (hey, what’s up), “chékiffer” (to like or love), “mec” (guy), “meuf” (girl, from verlan of femme), “se pécho” (to hook up), and many others. Youth slang changes rapidly and is a way for younger generations to create identity, show rebellion, or stand out from older generations. 3, 4, 5
The main differences can be summarized as follows:
| Aspect | Parisian Slang | French Youth Slang |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Focus | Mainly Paris and the Paris metro area | Across France, with regional variations |
| Usage Context | Urban life, daily relaxed conversations | Teenagers and young adults in informal/social settings |
| Language Features | Includes specific Parisian terms and expressions | Heavy use of verlan, borrowings, abbreviations, vulgarisms |
| Examples | OKLM, relou, arnaque | Wesh, kiffer, meuf, pécho |
| Social Implication | Reflects Parisian urban culture | Expresses youth identity, rebellion, group belonging |
In essence, Parisian slang is a regional subset of the broader French youth slang, which encompasses a wider variety of expressions used by young people all over France. Parisian slang often feels more localized and tied to street culture in the capital, while youth slang evolves quickly and reflects the social dynamics among young people nationwide. 2, 4, 3
This distinction is important for understanding language variation within France and how slang serves different social and cultural functions depending on context.