A French drain is a type of drainage system that is designed to redirect water away from an area. While the term "French drain" is widely used, there are actually many different synonyms for this type of drainage system. One common alternative term is a "drainage ditch," which refers to a shallow channel designed to carry water away from a particular area. Another synonym for a French drain is a "soakaway," which is a pit or hole that collects excess water and allows it to soak into the ground slowly. Additional synonyms for a French drain include "weeping tile" and "perforated pipe," which both refer to underground pipes with holes that allow water to seep into them.