French Conversation · Level 173
15 words
French word
refiler
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁəfile/
Meaning
- verbpass
Example
Peux-tu me refiler ce stylo ?
Can you pass me this pen?
More examples
Il m'a refilé une vieille voiture.
He foisted an old car on me.
Core concept
A quick handoff that sends an object, task, or unwanted item on to another person.
Common phrases
refiler quelque chose à quelqu'un
foist ___ on ___
Similar words
passer: To hand an object to another person or place.
donner: To give something as a possession or gift.
filer: To hand something over quickly.
transmettre: To pass information or an object on to the next person.
Definition in French
Donner ou passer quelque chose à quelqu'un de façon familière, souvent en le lui transmettant rapidement et parfois en lui imposant.
Word origin
Refiler combines re- with French filer, from Latin filare, meaning to spin; the idea of making something move along developed into passing it on.
Usage tips
- Refiler is colloquial and can suggest palming something off, especially when the item or responsibility is unwanted.