What’s the Big Coup? The French Word That’s Everywhere
In English, the word “coup” usually means a decisive takeover or an important accomplishment. In French, its literal meaning is a blow or strike. So why is it used in so many expressions, or as a filler word most equivalent to the English filler word “sooo…”?
In French, it can also represent a sudden action. You might have heard the term “un coup de grâce” (a mercy killing or final decisive event) which is an expression also used in English. In French, a gust of wind is a “coup de vent” and love at first sight is referred to as “un coup de foudre” (literally, strike of lightning). A popular marketing phrase (especially in real estate or clothing ads) is “un coup de cœur”, meaning favorite or instant love (sudden action of the heart).
Here are some other fun idioms using coup.
- un coup de main — a helping hand
- un coup de chance— a stroke of luck
- un coup de fil — a phone call
- un coup d’œil — a quick look (strike of eye)
- tout d’un coup / soudain — all at once / suddenly
- boire un coup — to have a drink
And some not so fun ones…
- un coup de trop — one drink too many
- un coup de soleil — a sunburn
- un coup dur — a hard blow / setback
- un coup pour rien— a wasted effort
- un coup de gueule — a rant / blow-up
- un coup de barre — a wave of fatigue
What does “du coup” mean and why is it used so much in spoken French?
Originally “du coup” meant “as a result of the blow/strike/action”, and in modern French it’s evolved into an expression that can mean so, as a result, therefore, etc. It’s often used as a connector word. It can be used to explain a consequence, to continue a story, or just as a filler word without much meaning.
“Du coup, ouais, voilà.”
(So, yeah, there it is.) Now you know the meaning behind the word and some of the multitude of ways you can use it to sound more like a native. I hope that gives you a “coup de pouce” (a little nudge or push) to try some of them out!
