goujat
What does goujat mean? goujat is a French moderate that translates to “cad, boor, rude man” in English.
Literal Translation
boor, cad (originally: army servant)
Meaning & Usage
"cad, boor, rude man"
A man who behaves rudely, especially toward women. Originally meant a lowly army servant in the 16th century, it evolved into an insult for any man who lacks basic courtesy and respect. It's more specific than 'pignouf' — a goujat's rudeness is directed particularly at women.
Examples in the Wild
'C'est un goujat, il a laissé sa copine payer l'addition' — he's a cad, he let his girlfriend pay the bill. 'Quel goujat!' — what a boor!
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
French culture traditionally distinguishes between general rudeness (pignouf, rustre) and male rudeness toward women (goujat, mufle). A 'goujat' is a man who doesn't hold doors, interrupts women, or behaves boorishly in their company. It's an insult with old-fashioned chivalric undertones — its existence assumes men owe women particular courtesy.
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