The Ultimate French Anglicisms List: Common English Words in French

If you are learning French or collaborating with native speakers, you have likely experienced a momentary sense of confusion followed by recognition: why are there so many English words sprinkled into French sentences? This widespread linguistic blend is commonly known as franglais.

Whether you love it or want to avoid it, understanding how native speakers use borrowed English vocabulary is essential for real-world fluency. Here is our comprehensive French anglicisms list, explaining how these words are used, which faux-anglicisms to watch out for, and their authentic French alternatives.

What Is an Anglicism and Why Do the French Use Them?

An anglicism (un anglicisme) is a word or expression borrowed directly or indirectly from English. Despite France's reputation for strictly protecting its language through the venerable Académie française, modern everyday French heavily relies on English terms.

There are three main reasons for this:

1. Technological innovation: The digital economy, originating predominantly from the English-speaking world, spreads terms before standard translations take root.

2. Corporate culture: International business jargon has normalized buzzwords in modern French offices.

3. Perceived modernity: Younger generations and media creators often perceive English words as punchy, concise, and fashionable.

Essential French Anglicisms List by Category

1. Corporate & Business French

Step into any startup or corporate office in Paris, Lyon, or Geneva, and you will hear sentences saturated with corporate anglicisms:

  • Un call (A call) : Used instead of un appel téléphonique or une visioconférence.
  • Example: « On se fait un call rapide à 14h ? » (Let's have a quick call at 2 PM).
  • Un meeting (A meeting) : Competes directly with the French word une réunion.
  • La deadline (The deadline) : Widely preferred over la date limite or l'échéance.
  • Faire un debrief (To debrief) : To recap results after an event or meeting (faire le point).
  • Forwarder (To forward) : French grammar applied to an English verb to describe forwarding an email (transférer).
  • Être overbooké (To be overbooked/swamped) : Having too much work or a packed schedule (être débordé).
  • Un feedback (Feedback) : Constructive commentary (un retour, un avis).

    • 2. Tech, Internet, and Social Media

While the Académie française creates French counterparts, internet users almost universally adopt English roots:

  • Scroller : To scroll down a web page or social feed (faire défiler).
  • Un bug : A software glitch (spelled un bogue by linguistic purists).
  • Liké / Liker : To like a post on social networks (aimer).
  • Un follower : A follower on Instagram, TikTok, or X (un abonné).
  • Le cloud : Cloud computing and online file storage (le nuage).

    • 3. Casual Conversation & Slang

In social settings, anglicisms function as conversational shortcuts:

  • C'est cool / C'est top : That's great, nice, or fun.
  • Un crush : A romantic infatuation or the person you fancy.
  • Chiller : To hang out, relax, or do nothing productive.
  • Le mood : One's current state of mind or vibe (l'ambiance, l'humeur).
  • Faire du shopping : Going shopping for clothes or non-essential goods (faire les magasins).

    • Beware of "False Anglicisms" (Les Faux Anglicismes)

English speakers must be especially careful with words that look like English but carry entirely different meanings in French:

How Should Language Learners Approach Anglicisms?

French "Anglicism" Actual English Meaning Proper French Equivalent
:--- :--- :---
Un parking Parking lot / Car park Un parc de stationnement
Un pressing Dry cleaner's Une teinturerie
Un baby-foot Table soccer / Foosball Un football de table
Un relooking Makeover Une métamorphose, un relooking
Un sweat Sweatshirt / Hoodie Un sweat-shirt, un chandail
Un footing Going for a run / Jogging Une course à pied
Un basket A sneaker / trainer shoe Une chaussure de sport

To achieve true communicative competence in French, follow this simple rule of thumb:

  • In formal contexts (DELF/DALF tests, academic essays, formal job interviews): Favor authentic French vocabulary (échéance, courriel, télécharger, réunion). Evaluators reward richness of vocabulary and precision.
  • In informal and professional daily interactions: Do not be afraid to understand and occasionally use widespread anglicisms. Using un call or c'est cool will make your casual speech flow naturally with native speakers.

Keep this French anglicisms list handy to decode everyday conversations and master the balance between traditional elegance and modern street-smart French!