French Word of the Day: Chef

This French word is one that you'll hear often but has several different meanings depending on the context and the tone of voice you use.

The word chef, pronounced shef - like the English pronunciation - refers to more than just a cook ( chef cuisinier ). For a woman, you would write it like this: cheffe and it is pronounced the same way.

Chef can also mean boss, manager or person in charge. This is extremely common in the workplace. So if a French person says mon chef , they are usually talking about their boss, not necessarily a chef in a restaurant. It can refer to someone at different levels of a hierarchy, from a direct manager to a person in charge of a team.

More broadly, chef can mean leader, chief or head of an organisation or group. For example: chef de service (head of department), chef de projet (project manager), chef d’État (head of state)...

It's also used in the military when addressing someone of superior rank, although the exact meaning depends on the military context.

Interestingly, chef can also be used informally when speaking directly to someone, particularly in everyday situations. In this case, using chef does not necessarily mean that the person is actually your boss. It can be friendly, humorous or familiar.

Be careful, however, when using chef in this way. Depending on the tone and context, it can take on a mocking or negative meaning, particularly when it draws attention to someone’s position of authority.

Calling someone chef can be completely genuine, but it can also be sarcastic, suggesting that they are acting bossy or expecting everyone else to follow their orders.

While the expression can be friendly or neutral, the situation may give it a condescending undertone, reducing the person being addressed to a subordinate who is simply expected to follow orders.

Mon chef est en vacances cette semaine. - My boss is on holiday this week.

Le chef cuisinier de ce restaurant est formidable. - The chef at this restaurant is amazing.

Il se prend vraiment pour le chef quand il me donne des ordres. - He really likes to pretend to be the boss when he gives me orders.