Beauf

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Beauf [pronounced /bof/] is a French term describing a person thought to be vulgar, somewhat alcoholic, unintelligent, uncaring, violent, greedy, bigoted, chauvinistic, supporter of Nationalism etc.

French cartoonist Cabu is responsible for coining the term, which is an abbreviation of "beau-frère" - brother-in-law. The first canonical representation of the beauf is actually the brother-in-law of the Grand Duduche, a cartoon hero.

Another canonical representation of the word beauf can be found in Renaud Séchan's songs (see Mon Beauf). The canonical 1970s beauf by Cabu wore a mustache, but the newer versions wear a "cool" ponytail. Another classical example is the cliché army non-commissioned officer: uneducated, vulgar, brutal, and nostalgic of the colonial wars.

It is difficult to define precisely what is beauf and what he is not, since, to some extent, this is a subjective judgment. A beauf is essentially a Frenchman whose understanding and curiosity does not extend beyond his everyday environment. One could say, for instance, that vacationing in a camping-car and holding barbecues makes one a beauf. One may also consider that hunting makes one a beauf. Muscle cars and, more general, big sport cars with custom design are also generally considered to make one a beauf. Alcohol is also a major part of the Beauf's environment as Beaufs are usually thought to be regular heavy drinkers of beers, hard liquors, and cheap wines.