Learning French: what does fastoche mean and when should it be used?
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Do not be alarmed by the peculiar -oche suffix… this fun French word is easy-peasy to use and understand.
We look at simple ways to sprinkle fastoche into casual everyday French conversations.
This informal term is used in a similar way to the English phrase ‘easy-peasy’, to describe something simple and unchallenging.
Read also: Learning French: c’est cadeau and other gift-themed expressions
Fastoche stems from the French word facile with the suffix -oche.
This suffix is sometimes added onto the root of French words to create ‘made-up’ slang terms.
Même si tu n'as jamais cuisiné avant, cette recette est fastoche. - Even if you have never cooked before, this recipe is super simple.
Cet itinéraire de randonnée est plat, fastoche et ne prend que 45 minutes. - This hiking route is flat, easy-peasy and it will only take 45 minutes.
It can also be used in a negative form to indicate something is more challenging:
Apprendre à parler français n'est pas fastoche. Il faut du temps et de la détermination. - Learning to speak French is no simple task. It takes time and determination.
Il pensait réussir l'examen, fastoche, mais en réalité il a vraiment galéré. - He thought he would pass the exam dead easy, but in reality he really struggled.
Read more: Learning French: the origins and meaning of les doigts dans le nez
It is informal, colloquial language that can be said around friends and family - especially with younger generations who might find the word amusing.
It should generally be avoided in formal or professional situations, as the word may come across as childish or rude.
You will hear it spoken out loud and perhaps written in casual message exchanges or fun marketing campaigns.