French Conversation · Level 167
15 words
French word
gifle
Pronunciation
IPA/ʒifl/
Meaning
- feminine nounslap
Example
Il lui a donné une gifle.
He gave him a slap.
More examples
La gifle l'a fait tomber.
The slap made him fall.
Core concept
An open-palm blow that leaves a sudden sting and a sense of humiliation, physically or as an affront.
Common phrases
donner une gifle
give a slap
recevoir une gifle
receive a slap
Similar words
baffe: A casual term for a short, forceful slap to the cheek or face.
claque: A forceful slap to the cheek or face with the open hand.
tarte: A casual term for striking someone forcefully in the face with a hand.
torgnole: A casual term for a forceful hand strike meant to humiliate someone.
Definition in French
Désigne un coup donné avec la paume de la main, surtout au visage, qui peut aussi être employé au sens figuré pour un affront.
Word origin
Gifle is a deverbal noun formed from the French verb gifler, while the deeper origin of gifler is uncertain.
Usage tips
- Gifle is feminine, so standard phrases use une gifle, donner une gifle, and recevoir une gifle.