La Langue: What Does “LOL” Mean in France? Meet MDR, PTDR & their giggly cousins

on

If you text a French friend “LOL,” they’ll get it—but they’re probably typing MDR back. It stands for mort de rire (“dying of laughter”) and it’s the go-to French equivalent of LOL. You’ll also see the turbo versions: PTDR (pété de rire, basically “LMAO”) and sometimes XPTDR (explosé/pété de rire, “I exploded laughing”). (Linternaute.com)

 20 Useful French Texting Abbreviations For Messaging, Facebook & Email

A few quick vibes checks:

  • Register: MDR is casual-friendly; PTDR is stronger slang (save it for friends, not your professor or your landlord). (Wiktionnaire)

  • Intensity: Think MDR ≈ LOL, PTDR ≈ LMAO/ROFL, XPTDR = drama queen level. (FluentU)

  • Style: You’ll see mdrrrrr (extra R’s = extra giggles) and people sometimes say the letters out loud: “èmm-dé-air,” “pé-té-dé-air.” (Wiktionnaire)

  • Yes, “lol” exists in France, often understood—and sometimes used with a touch of irony. (CNEWS)

Micro-dictionary (texting edition)

  • MDR = mort de rire → LOL.

  • PTDR = pété de rire → LMAO/ROFL.

  • XPTDR = explosé/pété de rire → even stronger than PTDR.

  • JPP = j’en peux plus (“I can’t even,” from laughing or despair). (Linternaute.com)

When to use what (so you don’t text your dentist “PTDR”)

  • Group chat with classmates: MDR / 😂 are perfect. PTDR if something truly floors you. (Lingoda)

  • Teacher / admin / semi-formal: Stick to words: “C’est drôle !” or just an emoji 😉. (Text acronyms are casual by nature.) (FrenchPod101)

  • Irony or dry humor: lowercase lol does exist, but French readers may expect mdr—or just a wry “haha.” (CNEWS)

Level-by-level tips

A1

  • Learn one: MDR. Say it like the letters: èm-dé-air.

  • Safe reply: “MDR !” or just 😂. (Linternaute.com)

A2

  • Add PTDR for stronger laughs (friends only).

  • Practice alternatives: “C’est trop drôle !” / “J’ai ri !” (Wiktionnaire)

B1

  • Play with tone: mdrrrr for emphasis; haha / héhé for gentle humor.

  • Avoid slang in emails to profs/administration—write full sentences. (FrenchPod101)

B2

  • Spot nuance: lowercase lol can be dry/sardonic; MDR reads warmer.

  • Try JPP when you’re laughing so much you “can’t even.” (CNEWS)

Advanced

  • Mix registers deliberately (for comedic effect) but know your audience.

  • You’ll also see variants like XPTDR in memes—use sparingly. (The Local France)

Mini practice (copy/paste into your chats)

  • Tu as vu la vidéo du prof qui danse la salsa ? → MDR !

  • Il a renversé son café pendant le discours… → PTDR jpp

  • Question au secrétariat → Bonjour, je me permets de vous écrire au sujet de… (no acronyms!)

If you’re like me, you’ll text PTDR once to your bank and then sprint back with a very polite follow-up. Consider this post your friendly reminder that in France, even our laughter has levels—and accents.

Sources: Handy definitions and usage notes for MDR/PTDR/XPTDR and texting register. (Linternaute.com)

Your turn 👇

What do you actually use—mdr, ptdr, or just 😂? Have you ever sent slang to the wrong person (asks a friend, um, for a friend)? Drop a quick comment with your favorite “I learned the hard way” texting moment, and tell us your level (A1–C2) so others can learn from it. Allez, on rit ensemble—promis, we’ll only judge your jokes, not your grammar.

Location: France