How to Instantly Annoy a French Person Without Realizing It
Think you’re blending in like a local? Not so fast. A few seemingly harmless habits can instantly irritate a French person, even if they don’t say a word. Some will just give you a knowing look, others might correct you – but either way, you’ll know you did something wrong.
Note: This post is written with humor and affection. It’s not an attack on visitors or locals, just some funny cultural tripwires that tend to pop up. If you’re a traveler, no judgment. If you’re French, please be kind. Let’s keep it friendly in the comments!
1. Saying “Bonjour” Without Eye Contact
A proper bonjour is a social ritual. In France, greetings are personal. If you mumble it while looking at your phone or the menu, it comes off as dismissive or rude. A quick glance and a friendly tone go a long way. Skip this step, and you might get a cold reception.
2. Asking for a “To-Go” Coffee Everywhere
Coffee isn’t meant to be gulped down on the run. While some cafés serve it in paper cups, the classic French way is to sit and sip! Ordering a “grand” coffee to go at a brasserie can feel out of place. Especially if you’re expecting a massive American-style cup!
3. Dipping a Croissant in Coffee at a Café
At home, do whatever you want. But in a café, dipping your croissant into a café crème might get you a few raised eyebrows. It’s not a huge faux pas, but it’s just not the way it’s done in public. Who wants pastry crumbs floating in their coffee anyway ?
4. Mispronouncing “Merci” Like ‘Mercy’
French pronunciation isn’t easy but some mistakes hit harder than others. Saying “mur-sy” instead of “mehr-see” might make a French person visibly wince. They probably won’t correct you, but they’ll notice. Want to practice? Say it softly, and don’t overdo the R – French Rs are subtle, not growled.
5. Calling Every Cute Town a ‘Little Paris’
Not every charming French town is Paris in miniature. Lyon, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg all have their own distinct character. Comparing them to Paris might seem like a compliment, but to a local, it just shows you don’t know much about their city.
6. Asking for Ketchup With Everything
Fries? Fine. But ketchup on steak, cheese, or anything remotely gourmet? That’s asking for trouble. Many French restaurants don’t even have ketchup unless specifically requested. If you ask for it with a well-prepared dish, expect a look that says, Are you sure you want to do that?
7. Talking Loudly in Public Spaces
Loud voices stand out in France, and not in a good way… In restaurants, metros, and even outdoor markets, people keep conversations at a lower volume. If your group is the loudest in the room, you’ll get subtle glances (or not-so-subtle sighs) from nearby tables.
8. Trying to Speak Spanish When They Don’t Understand Your French
If a French person doesn’t understand your attempt at French, switching to Spanish won’t help, and it might even annoy them. While Spain is next door, most French people don’t speak Spanish fluently. If your French isn’t working, try English, or better yet, rephrase your French more slowly.
9. Trying to Hug Instead of Doing La Bise
Hugs aren’t really a thing in France, at least not for casual acquaintances. The typical greeting is la bise, the cheek kiss (or sometimes just the gesture without actual contact). Coming in with a big bear hug might make a French person stiffen up like a board.
10. Bringing Up Work at Dinner
Unless you’re at a business lunch, work talk is boring talk at a French dinner. Conversations revolve around food, culture, politics (careful with that one), or life in general. Asking someone what they do for a living before discussing literally anything else can feel a bit transactional – or outright rude.
11. Ordering Foie Gras and Asking for It Well-Done
Foie gras is meant to be soft and rich, either served cold as a pâté or lightly seared. Asking for it well-done is like requesting a burnt soufflé, it just doesn’t make sense. If you’re not into foie gras, it’s better to skip it than to request an improvement.
12. Saying ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?’ Like It’s a Joke
That line from Lady Marmalade? It’s cringeworthy in real life. It’s not clever, it’s not funny, and no one actually says that in France. Dropping it in conversation (especially with a smirk) will make a French person instantly question your life choices.
P.S.: Remember, this is all in good fun. Every culture has its pet peeves, and most French people will forgive you with a shrug and a smile 🙂