Here is a list of common french words or expressions that you use in English:
C'est la vie: Same meaning and usage in English and in French
Cliché: expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, rendering it a stereotype
Cul de sac: Dead-end street
Déjà vu: This is a grammatical structure in French, as in "Je l'ai déjà vu"=> I've already seen it. It can also disparage a style or technique that has already been done, as in "Son style est déjà vu" => His style is not original.
In English, déjà vu refers to the scientific phenomenon of feeling like you have already seen or done something when you're sure that you haven't.
Fiancé(e): engaged person, betrothed
Je ne sais quoi: Used to indicate a "certain something," as in "I really like Ann. She has a certain je ne sais quoi that I find very appealing."
Joie de vivre: The quality in people who live life to the fullest
Laissez-faire: A policy of non-interference
Pot pourri: A scented mixture of dried flowers and spices; a miscellaneous group or collection
Raison d'être: Purpose, justification for existing
Rendez-vous: In French, this refers to a date or an appointment (literally, it is the verb se rendre - to go - in the imperative); in English we can use it as a noun or a verb (let's rendez-vous at 8pm).
RSVP: This abbreviation stands for Répondez, s'il vous plaît, which means that "Please RSVP" is redundant.
Touché: Originally used in fencing, now equivalent to "you got me."
A lot of french words and expressions are used in English in areas where France is known for being good at: food and fashion.
Food related: Bon appétit! Champagne Cordon bleu: Master chef Crème brûlée: Baked custard with carmelized crust Crème fraîche (fresh cream) Croissant Entrée Filet mignon Mayonnaise Pâté Soufflé Sous chef | Fashion related: Art nouveau : Characterized by flowers, leaves, and flowing lines Avant-garde: Innovative, especially in the arts Brunette: The French word brun, dark-haired, is what English really means by "brunette." The -ette suffix indicates that the subject is small and female. Chic Démodé: outmoded, out of fashion Dernier cri: The newest fashion or trend Haute couture: High-class, fancy (and expensive) clothes |
