French Conversation · Level 125
55 words
French word
coquin
Pronunciation
IPA/kokɛ̃/
Meaning
- adjectivenaughty
Example
C'est un garçon coquin.
He's a naughty boy.
More examples
Il a un regard coquin quand il raconte cette histoire.
He has a mischievous look when he tells this story.
Core concept
A playful little rogue bends the rules, attracts attention, and remains endearing despite the mischief.
Common phrases
un regard coquin
a mischievous look
un clin d'œil coquin
a mischievous wink
Similar words
espiègle: Lively and playful, with a taste for small pranks.
malicieux: Slightly sly, with a tendency toward teasing or crafty pranks.
taquin: Playfully teasing through words or manner.
polisson: Innocently naughty or playful, especially among children or friends.
Definition in French
Caractérise une personne espiègle et pleine de malice; il s'emploie aussi parfois comme nom pour désigner un petit fripon.
Word origin
The deeper origin of Old French coquin is uncertain; the medieval word already referred to a rogue, while modern French also uses it for a mischievous person.
Usage tips
- As a noun, un coquin or une coquine can sound affectionate or reproachful depending on the speaker's tone and context.
Other meanings
- mischievousadjective
- rascalnoun
Opposites
- sagewell-behavedadjective