Peau de vache

Meaning: A mean, difficult, and unpleasant person — tough and unyielding like tanned hide.

Language: French

Literally: Cow skin

Category: Insult

Origin: Old French expression; now a mild colloquial label for someone who makes life difficult.

More compliments & insults — Insult

  • Eres un aguafiestas — You're a killjoy — you pour cold water on everyone's fun the moment you arrive.
  • ¡Qué cara más dura! — You've got incredible nerve and cheek — the audacity is almost impressive.
  • Es un/una pesado/a — A dreadful bore — their company feels like carrying extra weight.
  • Más terco/a que una mula — Hopelessly obstinate — no argument, fact, or force of nature will shift their position.
  • Pareces un pulpo en un garaje — You're completely out of place — flailing around uselessly in an environment that makes n…
  • Che rompiscatole — What an insufferable pest — someone who endlessly pesters and never lets you be.

More French compliments & insults

From our untranslatable words

  • L'esprit de l'escalier — Thinking of the perfect comeback only after the moment has passed — on your way down the…
  • Terroir — The unique character that a place — its soil, climate and tradition — gives to a wine or…
  • Râler — To complain and grumble with a certain national flair — a beloved French pastime.

Browse all untranslatable words →

← Back to Compliments & Insults