Tu as du chien

Meaning: You have a certain irresistible magnetism — a je-ne-sais-quoi that draws people in.

Literally: You have dog

Origin: 19th-century French expression; dogs were admired for their spirited charm.

More French compliments & insults

T'as pas inventé le fil à couper le beurre You're not exactly a genius — the wire to cut butter is about the most obvious tool imagi…
Tête de mule An impossibly stubborn person who refuses to change their mind no matter what.
C'est une vraie chèvre They're hopelessly stubborn and infuriating — a goat that refuses to be moved.
Casse-pieds A massive bore or pain in the neck — someone who wears you down with their irritating way…
Espèce de patate You dim bulb — a potato being the very picture of inert, unthinking stodginess.
Quel râleur / quelle râleuse You never stop moaning — everything is a complaint, nothing is ever good enough.

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

Rester Actually means 'to stay' or 'to remain'. Je reste ici = I'm staying here — not taking a n…
Attendre Actually means 'to wait for'. J'attends le bus = I'm waiting for the bus. For attend an e…
Actuel Actually means 'current' or 'present-day'. Actuellement = currently — not 'actually'.

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