Learning French: the origins and meaning of fada
This regional slang word is connected to fairies and a major French football club
Olympique de Marseille fans are all 'fada' about their football club
Vlad1988 / Shutterstock
Traces of France’s minority languages, like Occitan, are still heard in certain regions of the country. The informal word fada, for example, describes something crazy or astonishing.
Fada is commonly heard in Marseille and is even used to refer to fans of the city’s football club.
We look at its origins and how you can use it.
What does être fada mean?
It is a regional slang word heard in Occitanie, which literally translates as mad, crazy or unbelievable.
The term is generally used with affection as a mocking criticism rather than an insult.
In English, we could use the expressions: to be on another planet or to be tuned to the moon.
Synonyms of fada include:
The phrase is also increasingly used to express astonishment and is often heard as: hé, fada !
Read more: Understanding the French slang word 'dingue': origins and usage)
What are the origins of être fada?
Several languages used to be heard across France before French was imposed as the dominant tongue. The southern third of the country spoke Occitan, or langue d'oc (giving its name to the Languedoc region).
Fada is said to come from Occitan, describing someone who has been touched by fairies (des fées). It is also linked to the Latin, fāta, who was the goddess of fate.
Much like the English expression, to be away with the fairies, it is thought that fada would be used to describe someone silly or foolish who might believe in or act like a mythical creature.
Read more: Seven words and phrases from the south of France
When do you say être fada?
Fada can be used as an adjective to describe someone who is acting crazy:
This informal word can be said in reaction to something astonishing. It can also appear as a noun, like the word fou:
It is a term used in Marseille referring to being crazy about something:
Fun fact: Olympique Marseille football club, famous for their fan support, released a documentary series called FADAS. It features interviews with eight fans who have a “devouring passion” for their city and club.
To whom do you say être fada?
You will most often hear fada being said in casual conversation between friends and close family.
It is mostly used in the south of France, particularly in Marseille.
You should avoid using this word in formal situations or in other regions of the country, as people might take offence or not understand what you mean.
Read more: Informal synonyms for everyday French words
