French word

gosse

Pronunciation

IPA/gɔs/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)kid

Example

Le gosse joue dans le parc.

The kid is playing in the park.

Illustration for gosse (kid)

More examples

Mon gosse adore les animaux.

My kid loves animals.

Core concept

A child running freely in a park, viewed with familiar warmth or mild annoyance.

Common phrases

  • avoir un gosse

    have a kid

  • élever un gosse

    raise a kid

  • un gosse turbulent

    a rowdy kid

Similar words

enfant: A neutral word for a child of any gender.
garçon: A male child or young boy.
fille: A female child or young girl.
gamin: An informal word for a small, mischievous child.

Definition in French

Désigne un enfant, utilisé surtout à l'oral et pouvant être affectueux ou légèrement péjoratif selon le contexte.

Word origin

Gosse is a familiar French noun of uncertain origin, attested in regional Middle French before becoming established in colloquial French.

Usage tips

  • Gosse is informal and can sound affectionate or slightly insulting, so enfant is safer in formal or respectful contexts.

Opposites

Word lists with this word