French Conversation · Level 119
60 words
French word
renfrogner
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁɑ̃fʁoɲe/
Meaning
- verbfrown
Example
Il s'est renfrogné après la remarque.
He frowned after the remark.
More examples
Il se renfrogne souvent le matin quand il est fatigué.
He often scowls in the morning when he is tired.
Core concept
A brief hardening of the whole face, with brows and mouth signaling a sulky reaction.
Common phrases
se renfrogner
scowl
se renfrogner contre quelqu'un
get irritated with someone
se renfrogner après une remarque
become annoyed after a remark
Similar words
faire la tête: To fall silent, look gloomy, and turn away in dissatisfaction or discouragement.
bouder: To pout in silence and shun someone because of resentment.
froncer les sourcils: To knit the eyebrows briefly in a display of displeasure or anger.
se fâcher: To become strongly angry.
Definition in French
Donner par le visage une mine mécontente et brève; on le rencontre souvent à la forme pronominale ou au participe renfrogné.
Word origin
The verb comes from older frogner, a form associated with fron(g)ner, an older verb for frowning, and its history beyond that form is not certain.
Usage tips
- Renfrogner usually describes a visible, relatively mild expression or mood, whereas se fâcher centers on becoming angry.
Other meanings
- sulkverb
- become sullenverb
Opposites
- souriresmileverb
- déridercheer someone upverb
Related words
- renfrognésullenadjective
- renfrognementfrownnoun