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chauffard

reckless driver, road hog

noun sho-FAR Rare

Usage Note

Chauffard is a pejorative term for a dangerous or irresponsible driver, stronger than simply calling someone a bad driver. It is commonly used by witnesses and journalists when describing hit-and-run incidents or accidents caused by negligence. The word has no feminine form in standard usage — un chauffard applies to any gender.

Examples

"Un chauffard a grillé le feu rouge."

Natural Translation

A reckless driver ran the red light.

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