A French type can be cruel (6)
I believe the answer is:
unkind
'cruel' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'a french type' is the wordplay.
'a french' becomes 'un' ('a' in French).
'type' becomes 'kind' (I've seen this before).
'un'+'kind'='UNKIND'
'can be' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for unkind that I've seen before include "Inconsiderate or harsh towards others" , "Thoughtless -- inhumane" , "Unsympathetic or cruel" , "Cruel, harsh" , "Not considerate or humane" .)