The English language has borrowed extensively from French, especially after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Many French words have made their way into English vocabulary, some retaining their original meanings and others taking on new nuances. This list highlights some of the most famous and widely used French words in English.
1. Déjà vu
- Meaning: The feeling of having already experienced the present situation.
- Explanation: This phrase refers to a phenomenon where a new experience feels familiar, as if it has happened before.
- Example: “I had a strange sense of déjà vu when I entered the room.”
2. Faux pas
- Meaning: A social blunder or mistake.
- Explanation: Used to describe a violation of social etiquette or an embarrassing misstep.
- Example: “Wearing white to a wedding is considered a major faux pas.”
3. Rendez-vous
- Meaning: A meeting or appointment at a specific time and place.
- Explanation: Originally a French military term, it’s now used in English to refer to any planned meeting.
- Example: “Let’s have a rendezvous at the café at noon.”
4. Cliché
- Meaning: An overused phrase or idea.
- Explanation: This word refers to something that has lost its originality due to excessive use.
- Example: “The story was full of clichés about love and destiny.”
5. Coup d’état
- Meaning: A sudden, violent overthrow of a government.
- Explanation: Refers to a swift and often illegal change of power in a country.
- Example: “The military staged a coup d’état and took control of the government.”
6. Bon appétit
- Meaning: Enjoy your meal.
- Explanation: A phrase used to wish someone enjoyment of their food before they begin eating.
- Example: “Before dinner, the host said, ‘Bon appétit!’”
7. Avant-garde
- Meaning: Innovative, ahead of its time.
- Explanation: Often used in art and culture to describe something that is experimental or forward-thinking.
- Example: “The artist’s work is considered avant-garde.”
8. Fiancé / Fiancée
- Meaning: Engaged man / engaged woman.
- Explanation: Refers to someone who is engaged to be married. The male form is fiancé and the female form is fiancée.
- Example: “She introduced me to her fiancé at the party.”
9. RSVP
- Meaning: Please respond (Répondez s’il vous plaît).
- Explanation: A request for a response to an invitation, often used on formal invitations.
- Example: “Don’t forget to RSVP to the wedding invitation.”
10. Ballet
- Meaning: A classical dance form.
- Explanation: Ballet originated in France and is now a well-known dance discipline worldwide.
- Example: “She has been studying ballet since she was five.”
11. Chic
- Meaning: Stylish, fashionable.
- Explanation: Used to describe something or someone that is elegantly fashionable.
- Example: “Her outfit was simple but very chic.”
12. Carte blanche
- Meaning: Full freedom to act as one wishes.
- Explanation: This phrase literally means “blank card” and refers to giving someone complete authority or freedom.
- Example: “The CEO gave her carte blanche to lead the project.”
13. Crème de la crème
- Meaning: The best of the best.
- Explanation: Refers to the highest quality or top-tier of something.
- Example: “The event was attended by the crème de la crème of society.”
14. Entrepreneur
- Meaning: A person who starts and runs a business.
- Explanation: This French word has become widely used in English to describe someone who takes the risk of starting a business venture.
- Example: “She’s a successful entrepreneur who founded three companies.”
15. Faux
- Meaning: Fake, false.
- Explanation: Used to describe something that is not genuine, such as faux leather or faux jewelry.
- Example: “She wore a faux fur coat to the event.”
16. Genre
- Meaning: A category or type of art, literature, or music.
- Explanation: Commonly used in English to describe different categories of creative works, such as film genres.
- Example: “My favorite movie genre is science fiction.”
17. Baguette
- Meaning: A long, thin loaf of French bread.
- Explanation: This quintessential French bread is well-known around the world.
- Example: “We bought a fresh baguette from the bakery.”
18. Coup de grâce
- Meaning: A final blow or action that decisively ends something.
- Explanation: Literally meaning “stroke of mercy,” it refers to the final act that finishes a difficult situation.
- Example: “The news of the scandal was the coup de grâce for the politician’s career.”
19. Tour de force
- Meaning: A feat of great skill or strength.
- Explanation: This phrase refers to an impressive achievement or performance.
- Example: “The actor’s performance in the film was a tour de force.”
20. Nom de plume
- Meaning: Pen name, pseudonym.
- Explanation: Refers to a false name used by an author instead of their real name.
- Example: “The author wrote under the nom de plume George Orwell.”
Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge with this short quiz:
- What does “RSVP” stand for in French?
- How do you say “my fiancé” for a man in French?
- Translate: “They had a rendezvous at the café.”
- What is the meaning of “faux pas“?
- How do you say “final blow” in French?
Conclusion
These famous French words and phrases have seamlessly integrated into the English language, enriching it with elegance and meaning. Whether it’s about describing a social mistake with faux pas or wishing someone a good meal with bon appétit, these words add a touch of French sophistication to everyday conversations.
