[mytailorisrich]

It is not acceptable unless you know it is. Saying that using these word is perfectly acceptable is what can only confuse non-native speakers because they then might use them when they shouldn't and then don't understand why they are getting funny looks.

Language in business can be quite spicy but you don't use that language to address your local baker if you have the most basic manners (granted, many people don't).

[potatoz2]

I agree that non native speakers shouldn't use those words, just because understanding the peculiarities of when it is appropriate is quite difficult.

But those words are, broadly speaking, perfectly acceptable in many situations. Two 20-something or 30-something friends will use "ouais" (and "yeah"), "putain" (and "fuck" or "damn") and even potentially "cette meuf" (and "that dude") without any issue. You wouldn't use those in professional settings in French or in English.

[mytailorisrich]

> Two 20-something or 30-something friends will use "ouais" (and "yeah"), "putain" (and "fuck" or "damn") and even potentially "cette meuf" (and "that dude") without any issue

Isn't that exactly what I'm saying? Using those terms between friends (age is irrelevant and those terms are not just for the 'young') may be OK but you would not use them to even talk to a stranger in the street or in a shop if you have basic manners.

[potatoz2]

My main issue is with your use of the phrase "basic manners". This isn't a question of manners. It's like speaking Spanish in a French bakery: it's not rude, it's just not the right context. Similarly if you start vouvoyer your child, it's not "bad manners" it's just not done.

[mytailorisrich]

Strongly disagree. It is basic manners.

Children are taught not to say "ouais", or not to say 'tu' to adult they don't know, etc. because it is bad manners to.

If I'm asked if I want my baguette on the more crunchy side and I reply "ouais" this is bad manners.