Beauf

Beauf [pronounced /bof/] is a French term describing a person thought to be vulgar, unintelligent, uncaring, violent, greedy, bigoted, racist, chauvinistic, supporter of nationalistic or far-right politics, etc.

French cartoonist Cabu is responsible for coining the term, which is an abbreviation of "beau-frère" - brother-in-law. The first canonical representation of the beauf is actually the brother-in-law of the Grand Duduche, a cartoon hero.

Another canonical representation of the word beauf can be found in Renaud Séchan's songs (see Mon Beauf). The canonical 1970s beauf by Cabu wore a mustache, but the newer versions wear a "cool" ponytail. Another classical example is the cliché army non-commissioned officer: uneducated, vulgar, somewhat alcoholic, brutal, and nostalgic of the colonial wars.

It is difficult to define precisely what is beauf and what he is not, since, to some extent, this is a subjective judgment. A beauf is essentially a Frenchman whose understanding and curiosity does not extend beyond his everyday environment. The worst specimen are vulgar, narrow minded and insensitive. One could say, for instance, that vacationing in a camping-car and holding barbecues makes one a beauf. One may also consider that hunting makes one a beauf. Muscle cars and, more general, big sport cars with custom design are also generally considered to make one a beauf.

Beauf implies some bad taste, perhaps some campness. Some consider the garden gnome to be beauf.

The nouveau beauf (new beauf) is a more urban and trendy version. Nouveaux beaufs ride SUVs, are adept of plastic surgery.

A corresponding term in Québec French is colon. Another French word could be bidochon, according to a very famous french comic Les bidochons.

See also

• Bogan (Australia)
• Redneck, Joe Sixpack (USA)
• Pikey (UK)
• Naco (Mexico)
• Rosbif (French term for the British)

References

• Les nouveaux beaufs, Cabu, weekly in Le Canard Enchaîné

fr:Beauf