Tabarnak is a strong swear word in Quebec French. It comes from tabernacle, the Catholic term for the place where the consecrated Eucharist is kept.
What does it express?
Depending on tone, tabarnak can express anger, shock, frustration or emphasis. It is not a neutral bit of local colour. Among friends it may be used jokingly, but in formal settings, around children or with strangers it can sound aggressive and offensive.
How is it spelled?
You may see tabarnak, tabarnac or spellings that imitate pronunciation. Tabarnak is a common written form, while the source word in standard French is tabernacle.
Why are Quebec swear words religious?
Many traditional Quebec swear words—known as sacres—come from Catholic worship. Examples include words derived from chalice, host, Christ and tabernacle. Their force developed in a society where the Catholic Church held enormous institutional and cultural authority.
Is it used in France?
Not in the same way. This system of religious swearing is characteristically Quebecois and should not be generalized to all French speakers. A visitor from France may recognize the word but would not necessarily use or interpret it like a Quebec speaker.
Related words
- Ostie/hostie: derived from the Eucharistic host.
- Câlice: derived from chalice.
- Crisse: derived from Christ.
- Sacré bleu: associated with older or stereotyped French, not a normal substitute for Quebec sacres.
If you are learning local French, understand the word before trying to imitate it. For a more useful start, see our guide to speaking French in Quebec City.