keuf
What does keuf mean? keuf is a French moderate that translates to “cop, pig, five-oh” in English.
Literal Translation
cop (verlan of flic)
Meaning & Usage
"cop, pig, five-oh"
Verlan for 'flic' (cop), itself already slang for 'policier.' It's the default word for police in youth slang — not inherently an insult, but the context in which it's used (banlieues, interactions with authority) gives it a hostile edge. 'Les keufs' is how a group of young people refers to approaching police.
Examples in the Wild
'Les keufs arrivent!' — the cops are coming! 'Fais gaffe aux keufs' — watch out for the cops.
Regional Variations
Neutral descriptor, default word for police
Implies anti-authority stance
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
Reflects the deep tension between French police and banlieue communities. Using 'keuf' instead of 'policier' is a social marker — it signals which side of the authority divide you stand on. French rap is saturated with the word. The progression flic → keuf mirrors how each generation needs its own anti-authority slang.
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