French Phrase
Fais gaffe aux pickpockets.
Meaning
Literally, ‘Be careful of pickpockets.’ It’s an informal warning telling someone to stay alert because pickpockets may be around.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re in a crowded, tourist‑heavy area (e.g., a metro, market, or popular landmark) and want to warn a friend or a fellow traveler about the risk of pickpocketing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Faisgaffeauxpickpockets
Fais (imperative)
‘Fais’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *faire*; drop the final *s* in the spoken form.
gaffe (slang noun)
In colloquial French *gaffe* means ‘attention’ or ‘watch out’; it’s used in the fixed expression *faire gaffe*.
aux (preposition + article)
‘aux’ is the contraction of *à* + *les* and is used before plural nouns.
pickpockets (loanword)
A borrowed English noun, pluralized in French the same way as English; pronounced with a French accent.
🗨In Conversation
Fais gaffe aux pickpockets, ils sont partout dans le métro.
Watch out for pickpockets, they’re everywhere in the metro.
Merci, je vais garder mon sac bien fermé.
Thanks, I’ll keep my bag tightly closed.
✕Common Mistakes
Faire gaffe aux pickpockets.
The imperative form drops the *s*; use *Fais* not *Faire*.
Fais gaffe aux pickpocket.
‘Pickpocket’ must stay plural because *aux* already implies plural.
Fais gaffe à les pickpockets.
Use the contracted form *aux* instead of *à les*.
↔Alternatives
Fais attention aux pickpockets.
Pay attention to pickpockets.
Méfie‑toi des pickpockets.
Beware of pickpockets.
Sois vigilant face aux pickpockets.
Be vigilant against pickpockets.
Cultural Tip
‘Faire gaffe’ is very informal and should be used with friends or peers, not in formal or professional settings. In French‑speaking cities, pickpocketing is a common concern in tourist hotspots, so this warning is practical and widely understood. Remember to keep your belongings close and avoid flashing valuables.