Learning French: understanding three words originating from Marseille
Have you ever heard someone say tarpin, gâté or tanquer?
Three words originating from Marseille will feature in Le Petit Robert dictionary's 2026 edition
Iurii Dzivinskyi/Shutterstock
French dictionary, Le Petit Robert, recently announced the 150 new words being added to its 2026 edition. Three of these words originated in and around Marseille: tarpin, gâté and tanquer.
The executive editor of the dictionary, Géraldine Moinard, described the desire to feature terms that are “emblematic of a region of France or a French-speaking country”, but which “continue to spread - some even beyond the borders of their original territory.”
Read also: Larousse dictionary adds 150 new French words - which ones do you know?
We take a look at the meaning behind these words.
What does tarpin mean?
Tarpin comes from south-east France and is similar to the terms beaucoup de or plein de (a lot of):
It can also be said to emphasise something, much like how you might use ‘very’:
Read also: Seven words and phrases from the south of France
The casual word is thought to have appeared in the late 1900s but the precise origins are a mystery.
Today, many people throughout France recognise tarpin, even though it remains strongly associated with Marseille.
What does gâté mean?
This word first appeared in the 2020 edition of Le Petit Robert as a regional noun, defined as a synonym for ‘cuddle’. This year, the term is taking on a new meaning.
Gâté is commonly used in French to describe someone who is spoiled, but in the Occitan language, it also means ‘little cat’.
In this context, mon gâté or ma gâtée “is a term of endearment used to address someone you love romantically or as a friend,” explains Le Robert.
For example, you might hear someone say:
Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of fada
It has been used in Marseille for several decades, particularly by teenagers and young adults, but is also understood throughout France.
The word became particularly popular after featuring in the opening lines (Oui ma gâtée) of the song Bande Organisée, sang by Marseillais rapper SCH.
What does tanquer mean?
Tanquer is a versatile term, typically used in the Occitanie region, that comes from the Provençal Occitan word tanca (stake).
There are a few possible definitions:
For example: J'ai tanqué ma voiture la semaine dernière. - I crashed my car last week.
Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of c'est le pompon (sur la Garonne)
Did you know? The word pétanque stems from pieds tanqués, since you have to drive your feet into the ground before throwing the bowl.
If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com
