Gros mot vs. juron

In French, the words 'gros mot' and 'juron' both refer to profane or offensive language, commonly translated to 'swear word' in English. However, they have nuanced differences in usage and connotations.

Gros mot

A 'gros mot' is a swear word that is generally vulgar or offensive. This term often implies a more common, everyday use of bad language.
Il a dit un gros mot quand il s'est cogné le pied.
(He said a swear word when he stubbed his toe.)
Les enfants ne doivent pas dire de gros mots.
(Children should not use swear words.)

Juron

'Juron' also means a swear word, but it usually refers to stronger or more intense profanity. This term often conveys a sense of cursing or blaspheming.
Il a laissé échapper un juron en apprenant la mauvaise nouvelle.
(He let out a curse upon hearing the bad news.)
Les personnages de ce film utilisent beaucoup de jurons.
(The characters in this movie use a lot of curse words.)

Summary

While both 'gros mot' and 'juron' refer to swear words in French, 'gros mot' typically suggests common vulgarity often used in casual, everyday situations. In contrast, 'juron' denotes stronger cursing or blasphemy, usually indicating more severe or emphatic swearing.