Foreign Words and Phrases used in English

du jour

(French) "of the day": something special or unique to a particular day

bravo

A cry of approval as from an audience at the end of great performance (Italian origin)

faux pas

A slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion; literally, "false step" (French)

je ne sais quoi

An indescribable or inexpressible something; literally, "I know not what" (French)

femme fatale

An irresistibly attractive woman, especially one who leads men into difficult, dangerous, or disastrous situations; siren; literally "fatal woman"(French)

laissez faire

Economic philosophy of a "hands off" approach. Advocates that governments should not in any way interfere with business, as the marketplace provides an "invisible hand" to steer the economy.

a la carte

French - a menu having individual dishes listed with separate prices

merci beaucoup

French - thank you very much.

carte blanche

French for "free to do as you please"; Full freedom or authority to act at one's own discretion.

bon apetit

French for "good appetite" - enjoy the food or meal.

bon voyage

French for "have a good trip"

tete-a-tete

French for "head to head"; A private, intimate conversation between two persons.

pas de deux

French for "steps for two" A dance for two that is an established feature of classical ballet. Any event where two people work together to achieve a task.

addendum

Latin - Something added, or to be added. An appendix or addition to a book or written document

et cetera

Latin for "and so forth."

cum laude

Latin for "with praise"; A person graduating with a GPA of 3.4-3.59 receives this honor.

caveat emptor

Latin phrase meaning "Let the buyer beware"; A commercial principle that without a warranty the buyer takes upon himself the risk of quality.

quid pro quo

Latin phrase meaning "this for that" Something given with the expectation of receiving something else in return.

E Pluribus Unum

National motto of the USA; Latin "out of many, one"

R.S.V.P.

Placed at the bottom of an invitation. An abbreviation derived from the French phrase, "Respondez, s'il vous plait". It requests that you respond to the invitation to indicate whether or not you will attend. The English translation is "respond, if you please"

c'est la vie

Such is life; literally, "that's life" (French)

deja vu

The illusion of having previously experienced something actually being encountered for the first time; literally, "already seen" (French)

verbatim

Word for word; exactly as written or spoken.

esprit de corps

a feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty shared by the members of a particular group; team spirit (French)

alma mater

the school from which one graduates; literally "nurturing mother" (Latin)