French · Words You'll Hear But Must Never Say
Pédé
pay-DAY · /pe.de/
Homophobic slur (roughly 'f****t')
nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended
Literally
"Short for 'pédéraste'"
Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.
How to use it
You will genuinely hear this — as a schoolyard insult, in rap, sometimes reclaimed within the gay community — but it remains a homophobic slur and we list it only so you recognise it. As an outsider, do not use it, reclaimed contexts included; the line isn't yours to walk. The neutral words are "gay" (borrowed, common) or "homosexuel."
Heard in the wild
(heard as a slur or reclaimed in-group; not for outsiders to use)
(comprehension only — do not repeat)
Where it lands
France; homophobic slur — comprehension only, despite casual/reclaimed uses
Quick answers
- What does "Pédé" mean?
- In French, "Pédé" means "Homophobic slur (roughly 'f****t')". Literally it's "Short for 'pédéraste'". You will genuinely hear this — as a schoolyard insult, in rap, sometimes reclaimed within the gay community — but it remains a homophobic slur and we list it only so you recognise it. As an outsider, do not use it, reclaimed contexts included; the line isn't yours to walk. The neutral words are "gay" (borrowed, common) or "homosexuel."
- Is "Pédé" offensive?
- Yes — very. It rates 5/5 on the Punch-o-Meter (Do not deploy). nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended. Read the usage note before you even think about it.
- How do you pronounce "Pédé"?
- Say it "pay-DAY" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: pe.de.
Related in French
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