Métallique

Métallique is a French adjective meaning “metallic” in English, used to describe objects, surfaces, colors, or qualities that resemble or are made of metal. The term derives from the noun métal and is applied across various fields, including art, design, automotive engineering, and material science. In visual arts, a métallique finish refers to a coating or pigment that simulates the reflective sheen of metal, often achieved with metallic paints, inks, or foil stamping. Such finishes are popular in graphic design, fashion, and interior décor for their ability to convey modernity, luxury, or industrial aesthetic.

In automotive and transportation contexts, véhicule métallique denotes a vehicle whose bodywork is constructed from metal or possesses a metallic paint job. The property highlights durability, structural strength, and, in the case of paint, a luminous effect that can enhance visibility and visual appeal. In architecture, façades described as métallique are typically clad with metal panels, sheets, or mesh, contributing to contemporary façade systems that balance lightness, weather resistance, and sustainability.

In chemistry and metallurgy, métallique characterizes substances that exhibit metallic properties such as conductivity, malleability, and a lustrous appearance. The term also appears in descriptive linguistics when referring to sounds or phonemes that are articulated with a metallic timbre. Across its uses, métallique conveys both the literal composition of metal and the figurative qualities associated with metal—strength, reflectivity, and a sleek, modern sensibility.