trouillard
What does trouillard mean? trouillard is a French mild that translates to “coward, chicken” in English.
Literal Translation
one who has the trouille (fear/diarrhea)
Meaning & Usage
01
"coward, chicken"
A coward — from 'trouille,' which means both fear and (in older usage) diarrhea. The connection between fear and bowel looseness is embedded in the word's DNA. It's a standard insult for cowardice, less childish than 'péteux' but still not particularly harsh.
Examples in the Wild
'Quel trouillard, il a même pas voulu monter dans le manège' — what a chicken, he wouldn't even go on the ride. 'Avoir la trouille' — to be scared stiff.