10 Quirky Ways to Say “My Lover” in French

When it comes to expressing affection, the French language offers a treasure trove of creative and quirky terms to refer to your significant other. While the classics like mon amour (my love) and mon chéri (my darling) are timeless, there are plenty of fun, whimsical, and downright peculiar expressions that add a unique twist to the language of love. Here are some of the quirkiest ways to say “my lover” in French, along with their pronunciation, synonyms, and examples in context. Don’t forget to listen to the mp3 at the end to practice the prononciation. Allez, on y va! Voyons les petits noms d’amour.

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1. Mon Petit Chou (My Little Cabbage)

Pronunciation: /mɔ̃ pə.ti ʃu/

One of the most famous quirky terms of endearment, mon petit chou literally translates to “my little cabbage.” Despite the oddity of comparing your lover to a vegetable, this phrase is deeply affectionate and widely used. The term likely derives from chou à la crème (cream puff), a sweet pastry, making it as endearing as calling someone “sweetie” in English.

Synonyms:

• Mon sucre (My sugar)
• Mon bijou (My jewel)

Example in a sentence:

• Viens ici, mon petit chou, j’ai une surprise pour toi. (Come here, my little cabbage, I have a surprise for you.)

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2. Mon Loulou / Ma Louloute (My Sweetheart)

Pronunciation: /mɔ̃ lu.lu/ or /ma lu.lut/

This playful nickname comes from the word loup (wolf) but is softened with an extra syllable to make it cuter. Whether you use mon loulou for a man or ma louloute for a woman, it’s a charming way to refer to your lover with a hint of mischief.

Synonyms:

• Mon chouchou (My darling)
• Mon nounours (My teddy bear)

Example in a sentence:

• Ça va, ma louloute ? Tu as passé une bonne journée ? (How’s it going, my sweetheart? Did you have a good day?)

Cultural reference: “Mon loulou” appears frequently in French pop culture, such as in the famous show with Jean Dujardin called “Un gars, une fille”. Ça va mon loulou?

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3. Ma Puce (My Flea)

Pronunciation: /ma pys/

Yes, you read that right. Ma puce, or “my flea,” might sound odd to non-French speakers, but it’s a beloved term of endearment. Originating from the Middle Ages, it’s thought to refer to the tiny size of a flea and, by extension, something small and precious.

Synonyms:

• Mon petit bijou (My little jewel)
• Mon trésor (My treasure)

Example in a sentence:

• Bonne nuit, ma puce. Fais de beaux rêves ! (Good night, my flea. Sweet dreams!)

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4. Mon Lapin (My Rabbit)

Synonyms:

• Mon poussin (My chick)
• Mon chaton (My kitten)

Example in a sentence:

• Tu es précieux pour moi, mon lapin. (You are precious to me, my rabbit.)

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5. Mon Canard (My Duck)

Pronunciation: /mɔ̃ ka.naʁ/

French lovers also embrace the quirky charm of mon canard (my duck). Ducks might not scream romance, but in French, this term conveys warmth and endearment. It’s akin to calling someone “honey” or “babe” with a touch of whimsy.

Synonyms:

• Mon colibri (My hummingbird)
• Mon pélican (My pelican)

Example in a sentence:

• Ça te va bien, mon canard. Tu es trop mignon. (That suits you well, my duck. You’re so cute.)

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6. Mon Bichon (My Little Bichon Frise)

Pronunciation: /mɔ̃ bi.ʃɔ̃/

Borrowed from the fluffy Bichon Frise dog breed, mon bichon is a term of endearment that emphasizes cuteness and affection. It’s often used in lighthearted, romantic contexts to highlight your partner’s lovable traits.

Synonyms:

• Mon nounours (My teddy bear)
• Mon roudoudou (My sweetie pie)

Example in a sentence:

• Tu es mon bichon, toujours si adorable. (You’re my bichon, always so adorable.)

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7. Mon Chaton (My Kitten)

Pronunciation: /mɔ̃ ʃa.tɔ̃/

Mon chaton (my kitten) is a popular nickname for lovers, reflecting the French fascination with cats as symbols of playfulness and tenderness. If your partner has a soft, cuddly side, this might be the perfect choice.

Synonyms:

• Mon minou (My kitty)
• Ma tigresse (My tigress)

Example in a sentence:

• Viens dans mes bras, mon chaton. (Come into my arms, my kitten.)

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8. Mon Poussin (My Chick)

Pronunciation: /mɔ̃ pu.sɛ̃/

Mon poussin (my chick) is another animal-inspired term that’s both quirky and endearing. It conveys the image of something tiny, fragile, and adorable—a great option for someone you want to cherish.

Synonyms:

• Mon canari (My canary)
• Mon moineau (My sparrow)

Example in a sentence:

• Bonne matinée, mon poussin. Passe une belle journée ! (Good morning, my chick. Have a lovely day!)

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9. Mon Doudou (My Snuggle Buddy)

Pronunciation: /mɔ̃ du.du/

Derived from a child’s term for a comfort blanket or stuffed animal, mon doudou is a warm and intimate nickname for someone you find comforting and cozy. It’s a lovely way to highlight the emotional connection you share.

Synonyms:

• Mon cocon (My cocoon)
• Mon doux (My sweet one)

Example in a sentence:

• Tu es mon doudou préféré. J’adore être avec toi. (You’re my favorite snuggle buddy. I love being with you.)

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10. Mon Papillon (My Butterfly)

Pronunciation: /mɔ̃ pa.pi.jɔ̃/

Mon papillon (my butterfly) is a poetic and delicate term of endearment. Butterflies symbolize transformation, lightness, and beauty, making this nickname ideal for someone who brings a sense of wonder to your life.

Synonyms:

• Mon étoile (My star)
• Ma fée (My fairy)

Example in a sentence:

• Mon papillon, tu rends ma vie plus colorée. (My butterfly, you make my life more colorful.)

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Listen to The Mp3 to Practice How To Say “My Lover” In French

The French language offers an endless array of quirky and delightful terms to express love and affection. Whether you choose mon petit chou or mon papillon, these nicknames bring a playful and heartfelt touch to your romantic expressions. Try using one of these phrases in your next conversation—because in love, a little quirkiness goes a long way! Listen to the mp3 to practice the right prononciation, just repeat, repeat, repeat like parrot 😉

La vie est une fleur, l’amour en est le miel. – Victor Hugo, Le Roi s’amuse

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