un biffin - French expression

un Biffin, une Biffine – Mot du Jour

Un biffin, une biffine or Un Biffin, une Biffine. Les biffins are the descendants of our rag pickers and thrift dealers. Un biffin is someone who goes through trashcans to convert his finds into cash.

Sadly, this word has found a revival in the French language. We’re hearing it more and more because so many French people – more and more single women as well – are struggling financially in these trying recession times. I translate biffin by dump(ster) diver, scavenger and forager. I welcome any other suggestions. Together, we could make a difference in the French language.

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• « Je m’en sors pas avec les quelque 600 euros que je touche par mois. Je suis obligée de faire la biffine de temps en temps pour arrondir mes fins de mois. »
  • “I can’t make ends meet with the few 600 Euros that I get per month. I have to go and dump dive from time to time to earn a little extra money.”

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