Learning French: what does nickel mean and when should it be used?
A popular term to describe cleanliness or perfection
Use this slang word to describe something as being spick and span
Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock
C’est nickel !
This simple word is scattered across informal French conversations to imply something is perfect, amazing or squeaky clean.
We will look at how to use it in everyday exchanges and learn about its bizarre grammar rules.
What does nickel mean?
Some English speakers may connect nickel to the reference of a metal coin or small amount of money. While this definition does exist in France, it is more commonly used as a slang adjective to show approval and imply something is excellent, awesome or perfect.
It can also refer to something that is in good condition, as if to say it is spick and span.
You might hear c’est nickel or even nickel chrome, as a cheesy alternative.
Further synonyms include:
Top
Trop bien
Super
Impec (impeccable)
Read also: Learning French: être dans le vent and other wind expressions
Nickel or niquel?
It is rare to find words featuring a -ck spelling in the French language, as this sound is usually represented by a -qu ending.
It can however still be found in words such as: cocktail, dock, ticket.
For this reason, some people might misspell nickel as niquel.
It is important to note that this adjective is also invariable, meaning that it does not change endings to agree with nouns. You will never see nickele or nickels.
What are the origins of nickel?
Nickel is a smooth, silvery metal that shines when polished.
It has been used as an adjective to describe something squeaky clean or perfect since the start of the 20th Century.
It alludes to the metallic, mirror-like surface of nickel or nickel-chrome. This combination was used on motor vehicles or bathroom taps to give a shiny appearance, being considered superior-quality and protecting from scratches or corrosion.
One theory is that the colloquial use of nickel stems from military assessments when guns had to be properly cleaned and polished to shine like nickel.
It may also come from dentists who use nickel to create stainless dentures.
When do you say nickel?
Say this to describe something as being in perfect condition:
Nickel can also imply something is squeaky clean:
It can also be used more generally as a synonym for excellent:
Read also: Informal synonyms for everyday French words
To whom do you say nickel?
It is slang, casual language and can be said around friends and family and rarely appears in written French.
Some people may find this word a bit informal or inappropriate, especially if used with older generations.
Read also: Learning French: tout est bon dans le cochon and other pig expressions
