Skip to content

minus

small person, runt

noun mee-NUS Rare

Origin: Latin 'minus' (less)

Also means

minus sign (mathematics)

Usage Note

Minus in colloquial French is a mildly derogatory term for someone considered insignificant or dim-witted (espèce de minus! = you little nobody!). In a mathematical or technical context it is simply the minus sign or the concept of subtraction. The register is informal and slightly pejorative when used for a person.

Examples

"Ce minus ne comprend rien à la situation."

Natural Translation

That runt understands nothing about the situation.

Explore French by topic