French Conversation · Level 194
14 words
French word
minus
Pronunciation
IPA/minys/
Meaning
- masculine nounnobody
Example
Ne le traite pas comme un minus.
Don't treat him like a nobody.
More examples
Ils l'ont traité de minus pendant des années.
They called him a nobody for years.
Core concept
A person pushed into the background as too minor to command respect or attention.
Common phrases
traiter quelqu'un de minus
call ___ a nobody
Similar words
pauvre type: A contemptuous colloquial term for a pathetic or worthless person.
raté: A derogatory term for someone who has failed to meet expectations.
perdant: A disparaging term for someone losing in a competition or situation.
Definition in French
Terme familier péjoratif pour qualifier une personne insignifiante, sans prestige ni notoriété.
Word origin
French minus comes from Latin minus, meaning "less," and became a colloquial noun for a person regarded as lacking importance or standing.
Usage tips
- Minus is familiar and pejorative, so expressions such as "un minus" can insult the person they describe even when intended humorously.