What is "verlan"?
Verlan is like a word game where you reverse syllables to create new words. For example, meuf comes from femme (woman) in reverse, relou is lourd (annoying), and ouf is fou (crazy). Even the word verlan itself is just l’envers (reverse) flipped! Clever, isn’t it?
Verlan is primarily a coded language. It transforms ordinary words into secret expressions, often to create a sense of belonging or exclude those who don’t understand. It’s a form of alternative communication, especially popular in certain groups, notably among young people or in urban cultures.
Beyond its playful side, verlan has a significant cultural and identity dimension. It’s often used to affirm membership in a group or community. For instance, in working-class neighborhoods or among youth, speaking in verlan can be a way to stand out, identify with a culture, or even challenge authority. It’s a way of asserting linguistic autonomy, showing that you have your own codes and don’t necessarily need traditional rules to communicate.
At the same time, verlan encourages linguistic creativity. Each generation invents new words and inversions reflecting the trends and social realities of their time. This makes it a constantly evolving language that adapts and transforms over time.
Each generation creates new words, so there’s always something to discover. And even if it seems tricky at first, once you understand the principle, it’s golri! (That’s “funny” in verlan.)
The origins of verlan
Contrary to what you might think, verlan is not a recent invention. Its roots go back at least to the 19th century, where it was already used in working-class circles, especially by laborers and marginalized groups. At that time, this coded language allowed people to communicate without being understood by authorities or “bourgeois” individuals. It was a practical tool and a way to express solidarity in tough contexts.
Some even believe the history of verlan goes back further. Did you know that some think Voltaire himself might have used verlan to create his pseudonym? His family came from the village of Airvault. By reversing the syllables, you get Vault-Air, which could have become Voltaire. While this theory is debated, it shows that flipping syllables for wordplay has existed for a long time.
It was in the 1980s that verlan truly rose to popularity, driven by urban culture and rap music, which integrated it into lyrics. This linguistic game then became a marker of social and cultural identity. In summary, it was cool but also meaningful.
Verlan today
Nowadays, verlan is much more than just a word game. It has become an integral part of the French language, especially in informal conversations and specific cultural contexts. If you listen to rap songs or watch French series like ValidĂ© or Les Bracelets rouges, you’ll hear verlan in almost every sentence. It’s a key element of contemporary slang, often associated with youth and urban culture.
Interestingly, some words from verlan have become so common that they’re no longer recognized as verlan. For example, meuf (woman) is widely understood by everyone, from teens to retirees. Similarly, relou (annoying) is used to describe someone or something bothersome. These terms are now staples of modern French slang.
Verlan keeps evolving. Young people, in particular, constantly invent new words by reversing syllables, reflecting their culture and time. Each generation adds new creations, keeping verlan dynamic and alive.
What’s fascinating is that verlan now goes beyond working-class neighborhoods or younger generations. It’s used in various contexts: in schools, media, and even advertising. Its adoption by artists, comedians, and influencers helps spread it to a wider audience.
Today, verlan isn’t just a way of speaking; it’s a way to claim ownership of the French language, transform it, and keep it alive while reflecting the concerns, humor, and identity of its users.
Is verlan just for young people?
Yes… and no. It’s true that verlan is often associated with young people. It’s common in schoolyards, high schools, and chats among friends, creating a coded, slightly exclusive language. For teens, verlan can be a way to assert themselves, stand out from adults, or simply have fun with the language. But saying that verlan is only for young people would be an oversimplification.
In reality, many adults use verlan too, especially those who grew up in environments where this language was common. For instance, words like meuf or relou are now so widespread that they’re used by all generations, sometimes even in relaxed professional contexts. You might hear an adult say: “Cette rĂ©union Ă©tait vraiment relou!” (That meeting was really annoying!) without surprising anyone.
However, verlan can also mark a generational divide. Words popular in the 1980s or 1990s, like zicmu (music), are often unknown to today’s youth. Conversely, recent terms like vĂ©nère (angry) or cheum (ugly) might seem unfamiliar to those who are not “in the know.” This is the beauty of verlan: it constantly evolves, reflecting the concerns and codes of different eras.
In short, while verlan is often seen as a language for young people, it transcends generations and fits into a much broader linguistic tradition. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, there’s nothing stopping you from using it to add a touch of originality and humor to your conversations.
Should you use verlan?
So, should you use verlan? Well, as with many things in French, it depends on the context! If you’re learning the language, understanding verlan can be a real asset. It will help you better grasp informal conversations, songs, or French series where this language is common.
But be careful—using verlan yourself is a different story. Verlan is closely tied to tone, context, and even the relationship you have with people. Saying relou to a friend to describe an annoying situation, like a delayed subway, will feel perfectly natural and well-understood. But now imagine using the same word with your teacher or boss… It might come across as inappropriate or even disrespectful. Verlan, like colloquial language, is fantastic for chats among friends but not always suitable in more formal settings.
However, integrating a few verlan words into your French conversations can also show that you’re interested in the richness of the French language beyond its formal aspects. For example, subtly using words like meuf or vĂ©nère might help you connect culturally with French speakers, adding a casual touch to your exchanges.
That said, keep in mind that not everyone uses verlan, and some words can vary by region or generation. What’s hyper stylĂ© (super cool) in Paris might feel completely out of place in another part of France. And as with everything, moderation is key—overusing verlan might make you sound artificial, especially if it doesn’t come naturally to you.
So, should you give it a go? Why not, but in moderation! Pay close attention to the context, the age, and the relationship you have with your conversation partner.
With practice and observation, you’ll find the right balance and maybe even impress your French friends with your linguistic flair!