French Words & Sayings We Use in Everyday English
To mark French Day in Cork, hosted by the Cork Chamber of Commerce with the French Ambassador, here are six French words and phrases that are now a normal part of everyday English.
1. Déjà vu Meaning: The feeling that you’ve experienced something before.
“Déjà vu” literally means “already seen,” and it perfectly captures that strange moment when the present feels familiar. Though rooted in psychology, the phrase has become part of casual English conversation. It’s often used humorously or dramatically to describe repetition or eerie familiarity.
“Walking into that café gave me serious déjà vu.” “Haven’t we had this exact conversation before? Déjà vu!”
2. Bon appétit Meaning: Enjoy your meal.
Originally said before eating in France, “bon appétit” crossed over into English dining culture, especially in restaurants or social settings. It adds a touch of elegance and hospitality to the act of sharing food.
“Dinner’s ready — bon appétit!” “The waiter smiled and said bon appétit as he served the dish.”
3. Cliché Meaning: An overused idea or phrase.
The word “cliché” comes from the French printing industry, referring to something reproduced repeatedly. In English, it describes ideas that have lost originality through overuse, but we still use them because they’re relatable.
“It’s a bit of a cliché, but everything happens for a reason.” “The movie was full of clichés.”
4. Rendezvous Meaning: A meeting or appointment.
“Rendezvous” adds intrigue and flair compared to the plain word “meeting.” Historically associated with secret meetups or romance, today it can refer to anything from a date to a scheduled meetup.
“Let’s rendezvous at 7pm.” “They had a romantic rendezvous by the river.”
5. Faux pas Meaning: A social mistake or awkward misstep.
Literally meaning “false step,” a “faux pas” refers to those cringe-worthy social moments we all try to avoid. It’s widely used in English to describe etiquette mishaps or awkward comments.
“I asked about her job… turns out she was just laid off — major faux pas.”
“Wearing trainers to that formal dinner was a bit of a faux pas.”
6. Joie de vivre Meaning: Joy of living.
This expressive phrase captures a deep appreciation for life. Often associated with French culture, “joie de vivre” describes someone who lives enthusiastically and finds pleasure in everyday moments.
“She brings such joie de vivre to the office.” “Travel really gives him a sense of joie de vivre.”
Vive la France and vive Cork! 🇫🇷🇮🇪
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