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
"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.
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 has a remarkable number of words for coward, reflecting perhaps a culture that historically valued bravery (military tradition, Resistance mythology). 'Trouillard,' 'froussard,' 'dégonflé,' 'péteux,' 'lâche' — each has its shade. 'Trouillard' is the most commonly used casual one, equivalent to English 'chicken.'
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