flemme

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laziness, not feeling like it, lack of motivation
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/flɛm/
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A familiar lack of desire to make an effort, often felt toward one particular task.

Examples

  • La flemme m'a pris dès que j'ai vu toute la vaisselle.
    Laziness hit me as soon as I saw all the dishes.
  • Même avec la flemme, il a fini ses devoirs.
    Even though he didn't feel like it, he finished his homework.
  • Tu as la flemme de répondre ou tu n'as pas vu mon message ?
    Do you not feel like replying, or did you miss my message?
  • Elle n'est pas venue par flemme, pas parce qu'elle était malade.
    She did not come out of laziness, not because she was ill.
  • C'est un jour de flemme, alors on reste à la maison.
    It's a lazy day, so we're staying home.

Similar words

cosse
flemmardise
paresse
fainéantise

Meanings

Not feeling like making an effort

noun
everyday
informal
A familiar feeling of laziness or reluctance that makes someone not want to do something, especially in the expression avoir la flemme de.

Examples

  • J'ai la flemme de cuisiner ce soir.
    I can't be bothered to cook tonight.
  • Elle n'est pas venue par flemme, pas parce qu'elle était malade.
    She did not come out of laziness, not because she was ill.
  • Même avec la flemme, il a fini ses devoirs.
    Even though he didn't feel like it, he finished his homework.
  • C'est un jour de flemme, alors on reste à la maison.
    It's a lazy day, so we're staying home.
  • Tu as la flemme de répondre ou tu n'as pas vu mon message ?
    Do you not feel like replying, or did you miss my message?
  • La flemme m'a pris dès que j'ai vu toute la vaisselle.
    Laziness hit me as soon as I saw all the dishes.

Similar words

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian flemma, meaning slowness or placidity and originally one of the four bodily humours, from the same source as French flegme.

FAQ

What does flemme mean?

Flemme is familiar French for laziness or the feeling that one cannot be bothered to do something.

How is flemme used with a verb?

Use avoir la flemme de followed by an infinitive, as in J'ai la flemme de sortir.

Is flemme masculine or feminine?

Flemme is feminine, so the usual expression is la flemme.

Is flemme formal French?

No. Flemme is familiar and suits conversation and relaxed writing better than formal prose.

What is the difference between flemme and fatigue?

Flemme is reluctance to make an effort, while fatigue is physical or mental tiredness. Either can exist without the other.

Where does flemme come from?

Flemme was borrowed from Italian flemma, a word associated with slowness and placidity and related to French flegme.

What are common synonyms for flemme?

Close French alternatives include paresse, fainéantise, flemmardise, and the familiar word cosse.

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