perso

Perso is a clipped form used primarily in French-speaking contexts with a few distinct senses, depending on the topic and register. In everyday language, it most commonly marks the private or personal sphere, as in phrases like vie perso (personal life) or affaires persos (personal belongings). In this sense, perso functions as shorthand for the word personnel or personnellement, and speakers often contrast the private with the public or official.

A second widespread use is in gaming and online media, where perso is short for personnage, meaning a character or avatar controlled by the player. In French gaming communities one might say mon perso is level 50, referring to one’s own game character.

A third sense appears in informal speech to introduce a personal opinion or stance, as in Perso, je préfère this or Perso, cela me semble. This usage is non‑formal and typically accompanies a more subjective or conversational tone. In formal writing or official communication, the full phrases à titre personnel or à titre personnel, or l’avis personnel, are preferred.

Etymology and usage notes: the term arises from clipping common French words such as personnel or personnage, with the intended meaning clear from context. Because it is informal, persos are usually avoided in formal documents, journalism, or academic writing; more formal equivalents should be used in those settings.

In summary, pers o functions as an informal shorthand in French for personal/private matters, a reference to a game character, or a preface to a personal opinion, with usage varying by context and audience.