English–French

“barb” in French

French

Pronunciation

IPA/pik/

Example

Il lui a lancé une pique.

He threw a barb at her.

Illustration for pique (barb)

How to say “barb” in French

“Barb” in French is pique.

A verbal barb that pricks someone's feelings beneath a joking or ironic tone.

Full entry for pique: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with pique

Sa remarque était une pique à peine voilée.

Her remark was a barely veiled dig.

Tips for using pique

  • In this sense, pique is feminine: une pique, often in lancer une pique à quelqu'un.

“barb” in other languages