A French word or phrase that means the same as the English 'made up?

padanarm | 23:59 Sat 01st May 2010 | Phrases & Sayings

5 Answers

Is there a French word or phrase that means the same as the English phrase 'made up', as in fictitious?

I'm looking for something that doesn't sound the same as English equivalents, so fabrique, fantastique and fabulous are out.

fat lady

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MarkRae

"Pour de faux" means "for a laugh" in the sense of "not to be taken seriously".

The opposite is "pour de bon".

padanarm

Question Author

Thanks MarkRae. That's the kind of phrase I'm looking for.

The eldest bhoy is writing an essay concerning two armies. The British army is led by General Madeup and I couldn't think of the French equivalent. Marschal de Faux sounds about right.

MarkRae

Ah...

That would be "Général Inventé" - no question...

padanarm

Question Author

Thanks, excellent suggestion. A quick Google suggests that Aspirant Invente could be the man.

topcol

Fictional is 'fictif' in French.
Anyone wanting answers to questions about the French language,
I lived in France for 11 years, my mother was anglo-French, I have a degree in the language & I'm a qualified French teacher. Also speak pretty good Italian.
Topcol

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