trucs

Trucs is the plural form of the French noun truc, an informal term with several related meanings. The core sense is “a thing” or “an object,” used for items that are not named or are generic gadgets and contraptions. In this sense, truc covers everyday objects, tools, devices, or even improvised implements. A second broad meaning is “a trick” or “technique,” as in tactics or methods to achieve a result. In phrases like “un truc pour…” or “faire un truc,” the word denotes an action or approach rather than a physical object. The collocation “trucs et astuces” literally means “tips and tricks,” referring to practical guidance or shortcuts.

Usage: truc is highly colloquial and frequent in spoken French in France and in Quebec. It is often preferred over more formal terms when the speaker is casual or uncertain about a specific name. In formal writing, one would usually replace it with “objet,” “outil,” “article,” or “astuce” depending on context.

Origin and variation: the etymology of truc is uncertain; it is a long-standing part of colloquial French with many regional usages. The plural form trucs simply refers to multiple items or tricks.

Examples: “Passe-moi ce truc” (pass me that thing/gadget); “il a un truc qui marche bien” (he has a trick/technique that works well); “des trucs et astuces pour apprendre” (tips and tricks for learning).