fou, folle

The French adjective “fou” (masculine) and “folle” (feminine) mean “crazy” or “mad.”

Meanings:

1. Mad or Crazy:
   One of the primary meanings of “fou, folle” is madness or craziness. This usage can describe someone who is mentally unstable or exhibits erratic behavior. Example: Il est devenu fou après avoir perdu son emploi. (He became mad after losing his job.)
2. Passionate or Enthusiastic:
   “Fou, folle” is often employed to convey intense passion or enthusiasm for something, reflecting a positive and energetic connotation. Example: Elle est folle de joie après avoir reçu la nouvelle. (She is crazy with joy after receiving the news.)
3. Excessive or Over-the-Top:
   In certain contexts, the adjective can be used to express excessiveness or going beyond reasonable limits. Example: Ce film est fou, les effets spéciaux sont incroyables ! (This movie is crazy; the special effects are incredible!)
4. Unbelievable or Extraordinary:
   “Fou, folle” is also employed to describe something extraordinary or unbelievable, often used in a positive sense. Example: C’était une soirée folle, pleine de surprises. (It was an extraordinary evening, full of surprises.)

Etymology:

The etymology of “fou, folle” can be traced back to Latin. The word “follis” in Latin originally meant “bellows” or “windbag,” and over time, its meaning evolved to include “empty-headed” or “silly.” In Old French, around the year 1100 AD, “fol” meant “crazy.” It was still spelled “fol” in the early 1600s, but gradually changed its spelling to “fou” in the masculine and “folle” in the feminine.

The word “fou/folle” is related to the French word “folie” (madness), which is the origin of the English word “folly.”