foutre

"Foutre" is a French verb with a complex and often vulgar meaning, broadly translating to "to do," "to make," or "to put," but frequently carrying strong connotations of contempt, indifference, or sexual intercourse. Its usage is highly dependent on context and can range from mild to extremely offensive.

In its most common idiomatic use, "foutre" signifies doing something carelessly or without any concern. For instance, "Je m'en fous" translates to "I don't care" or "I don't give a damn." Similarly, "foutre en l'air" means to mess up, ruin, or destroy something. The phrase "qu'est-ce que tu fous?" is a colloquial and often impatient way of asking "What are you doing?"

The verb also carries a significant sexual connotation, functioning as a vulgar synonym for "to have sex." This usage is considered crude and is generally avoided in polite conversation.

Due to its vulgarity, "foutre" is typically restricted to informal settings and often among close friends. Its use in formal or professional contexts is highly inappropriate and could be perceived as deeply offensive. The multitude of expressions involving "foutre" makes it a versatile but inherently impolite word in the French language.