Meaning of French putain in English

Putain

Fuck, shit

Putain, j’ai oublié mes clés! Fuck, I forgot my keys!
Oh putain, il pleut encore! Oh shit, it’s raining again!
Ce putain de téléphone ne marche pas! This fucking phone doesn’t work!
Putain, ce café est brûlant! Shit, this coffee is burning hot!
J’ai un putain de mal de tête. I have a fucking headache.

Whore

C’était une vraie putain, celle-là. She was a real whore, that one.
Il traîne toujours avec des putains. He always hangs out with whores.
C’est plein de putains dans ce quartier. This neighborhood is full of whores.
Il l’a traitée de putain devant tout le monde. He called her a whore in front of everyone.
Il dépense tout son fric chez les putains. He spends all his money on whores.

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More about putain

Putain is one of the most common and versatile swear words in French, often translating to “fuck” or “shit” in English, depending on context and tone. While its literal meaning is “prostitute,” in everyday speech, it functions more like an expletive or intensifier rather than an insult. Native speakers use it to express frustration, surprise, admiration, or even excitement.

The meaning of putain depends entirely on how it’s said. A drawn-out “Pu-taiiin!” can signal shock or disbelief, while a quick, muttered “Putain…” usually expresses annoyance. It can also enhance other words, like “putain de chaleur” (“damn heat”) or “putain de chance” (“unbelievable luck”). However, it remains a vulgar word, so it’s not something you’d hear in formal situations.

Despite being considered a curse word, putain is deeply ingrained in French speech, even among people who wouldn’t normally swear in English. It’s so common that many speakers barely register it as offensive. That said, it can be toned down with alternatives like “purée” or “punaise,” which serve as softer versions.