quidam

Meaning

placeholder for persons whose name are unknown or not mentioned, in a conversation or in writing

Example

Noël regarde autour de lui, cherche les yeux de ses potes, il est hilare. Ils savent que ça ne présage rien de bon pour le quidam.

I use the word "quidam".

Practice tips

• Practice quidam out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
• Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
• Pay attention to context: this French word is for intermediate-level learners.

More French intermediate vocabulary

• flâner
• bof
• du coup
• échéance
• ras-le-bol
• réunion
• embouteillage
• ça marche