ferme la bouche

[frenchchica05]

Hey,

Is ferme la bouche an insult? In France do they think it's an insult?
Is there a nicer way to say "Shut up"?

 

[dom5019]

I don't think it's that rude, though maybe somewhat abrubt.

i know 'ta gueule' is quite rude

you could use tais-toi, to say be quiet.

 

[LARSAY]

"Ferme la bouche" is not said in France. The polite way is indeed "tais-toi!" and the rude way "Ferme ta gueule!" ou simply "Ta gueule!"

 

[gliamo]

Sometimes you will hear Ferme ta bouche ! for Ferme ta gueule !, from people who try not to use rude words. The short version is Ferme-la !

Ferme la bouche is used in the set phrase Ferme la bouche quand tu manges.

 

[frenchchica05]

Much thanks everyone! This is really helpful

 

[genjerleigh]

I was told its a kid's way of telling someone to shut up. I remember saying it to a bunch of french canadians and they laughed at me because of that.