If you’ve spent time around French speakers from Quebec, there’s no surprise for you about one the most commonly heard swear words: tabarnac. When people say tabarnac in French, it’s similar to saying any one of the strong vulgarities used in English.
Tabarnac is also very frequently spelt tabarnak — probably even more so. The pronunciation of this swear word comes from tabernacle, a religious item for Catholics.
Remember: The swear word is always pronounced tabarnak, and the religious item tabernacle. Don’t say I didn’t tell you! 😉
[This entry was inspired by a male character in La Galère, season 2, episode 2, Radio-Canada, Montreal, 21 September 2009. Here, he muttered tabarnac under his breath during a difficult moment at the office.]
