faire le tapin

[civilcivil]

I found the expression "faire le tapin" in one of the Maigret novels. It was used in reference to a woman with a shady background. I was unable to find use of the word in the dictionary. Online I see the expression is defined as "in the game" -- but I have no idea what that means. Can someone help? Thanks.

 

[DearPrudence]

"faire le tapin" is a colloquial way to say: to work as a prostitute.

 

[civilcivil]

Many thanks for the help.

 

[tilt]

A slang verb exists, derived from this word : tapiner.

 

[Tangara]

I must be reading the same novel! (Maigret se trompe) Thanks for the explanations!

 

[Omelette]

I came across the expression in Zazie Dans Le Métro. Is it still used much, or does it sound slightly old-fashioned?

 

[Micia93]

rather old-fashioned to me!

 

[Omelette]

Thank you, Micia

 

[petit1]

= faire le trottoir

 

[AnnieF]

I found the expression "faire le tapin" in one of the Maigret novels. It was used in reference to a woman with a shady background. I was unable to find use of the word in the dictionary. Online I see the expression is defined as "in the game" -- but I have no idea what that means. Can someone help? Thanks.

More usual in BE is "on" the game ...