Who Speaks Verlan

There are three kinds of French slang that are in common usage among native speakers: louchébem, argot, and verlan or as the French say—verlan à l’envers. Verlan is a playful slang popular among youth, where French words are formed by switching the order in which the syllables are pronounced.

Where is verlan spoken?

Unlike pig Latin, however, verlan is actively spoken in France. Many verlan words have become so commonplace that they are used in everyday French. To “verlan” a word, simply separate it into syllables, reverse them, and put the word back together.

Why do French use verlan?

Verlan was created because civilians wanted a way to communicate with each other without authority figures being able to understand them. Although it was originally used as a way to conceal illegal activity, verlan has become a permanent fixture of the French vernacular.