Marseille isn't just France's second city – it's a linguistic universe of its own. The port's multicultural history has bred a slang that's equal parts Provençal, Arabic, and pure Marseille attitude. If you want to sound like a local rather than a textbook French speaker, these are the expressions you need.
1. Pécho
Pécho
/pe.ʃo/“To pick up/hook up with”
Originally from Arabic, this verb means to successfully flirt with or seduce someone. It's used across France now, but Marseille claims it as their own.
2. T'es en galère
T'es en galère
/te ɑ̃ ɡa.lɛʁ/“You're in trouble”
Literally 'you're in a galley', referring to the hard labour of ancient rowers. Today it means you're in a difficult situation, whether you've missed the bus or messed up at work.
3. C'est ouf
C'est ouf
/sɛ.t‿uf/“That's crazy”
Verlan (backslang) for 'fou' (crazy). Used for anything surprising, impressive, or unbelievable. The Marseille version tends to be drawn out: 'Ouuuuuf!'
4. T'as pas la ref
T'as pas la ref
/ta pa la ʁɛf/“You don't get the reference”
Marseille's way of saying someone missed the joke or cultural reference. Often said with a shrug when an outsider doesn't understand local humour.
5. Fada
Fada
/fa.da/“Crazy”
Borrowed from Provençal, this describes someone acting foolish or eccentric. It's more affectionate than insulting – the kind of word you'd use for a friend doing something daft.
6. T'as vu le match?
T'as vu le match?
/ta vy lə matʃ/“Did you see the game?”
The eternal Marseille icebreaker. Football is religion here, and OM (Olympique de Marseille) matches dictate the city's mood. Say 'non' at your peril.
7. Ça passe crème
Ça passe crème
/sa pas kʁɛm/“It goes smoothly”
When something works perfectly without hiccups. The Marseille version of 'smooth as butter', but with their signature swagger.
8. T'es un marseillais ou quoi?
T'es un marseillais ou quoi?
/te.z‿œ̃ maʁ.sɛ.jɛ u kwa/“Are you from Marseille or what?”
A challenge when someone claims local knowledge but gets details wrong. Also used admiringly when someone displays classic Marseille traits like stubbornness or street smarts.
9. Wesh
Wesh
/wɛʃ/“Hey/What's up”
Borrowed from Arabic, this versatile greeting can mean 'hello', 'what's happening', or express surprise depending on tone. The Marseille drawl stretches it to two syllables: 'Weeesh'.
10. T'as le seum
T'as le seum
/ta lə sœm/“You're bitter/resentful”
From Arabic, meaning to be salty about something. In Marseille, it's used when someone can't let go of a grudge or bad luck.
11. C'est la hess
C'est la hess
/sɛ la ɛs/“It's the struggle”
From Arabic 'hass' (problems). The Marseille equivalent of 'it's a hard knock life', used for everyday frustrations from broken scooters to bureaucratic nightmares.
12. T'as capté?
T'as capté?
/ta kap.te/“You got it?”
Short for 't'as capté?' (did you catch/understand?). Marseille's version of 'get me?' – often with hand gestures for emphasis.
13. Ça va faire mal
Ça va faire mal
/sa va fɛʁ mal/“It's going to hurt”
Not always literal. Used when something is about to get intense, whether it's a night out, a difficult task, or an impending argument.
14. T'es un bon
T'es un bon
/te.z‿œ̃ bɔ̃/“You're a good one”
High praise in Marseille. Means someone is trustworthy, solid, or has done you a favour worth remembering.
15. On est en train
On est en train
/ɔ̃.n‿ɛ ɑ̃ tʁɛ̃/“We're doing it”
The Marseille way to say something is happening right now. Often shouted across streets to confirm plans: 'On est en train d'y aller!' (We're on our way!)
Remember: Marseille slang is all about delivery. The same phrase can be friendly or aggressive depending on tone and context. When in doubt, mirror how locals say it.
Want more authentic French? Check out our guide to essential French insults or how to charm with French compliments.
