Recorded in French military slang from 1940 with the sense of disorder, then used for an object by the mid-1940s. Its deeper origin is uncertain, though it may be linked to Picard bidoule, meaning mud.
Recorded in French military slang from 1940 with the sense of disorder, then used for an object by the mid-1940s. Its deeper origin is uncertain, though it may be linked to Picard bidoule, meaning mud.
What does bidule mean?
Most often, bidule is an informal word for an object whose name is unknown, forgotten, or not worth specifying.
Can bidule refer to a person?
Yes. Bidule, often capitalized like a temporary name, can mean whatshisname, whatshername, or so-and-so.
Is bidule formal French?
No. The common object and person uses are informal, so bidule is best avoided when an exact term is expected.
Is bidule masculine or feminine?
Bidule is masculine: un bidule and le bidule.
What is the plural of bidule?
The regular plural is bidules, as in des bidules.
Where does bidule come from?
Bidule appears in military slang around 1940. Its earlier origin is uncertain, with a possible link to Picard bidoule, meaning mud.
Can bidule mean a police baton?
Yes, but that police-slang sense is dated and is now mainly found in historical accounts.