Word Bank
Phrases, WORDS LIST
Yes, the English and French enjoy a strange love – hate relationship. It’s a friendly rivalry that has flourished over the years. Today we laugh that the French continue to pretend they don’t speak English, while they laugh because they know they have better cheese, bread, champagne and style then the British.
Ballet
A theatrical performance by dancers to classical music
Brasserie
A chilled informal or low-priced restaurant.
The English translation is actually ‘brewery’ as this what what the word also means.
Brassière
An undergarment worn by women to support their breasts.
The English translation is ‘Bra’
Bon appétit
Means to have a great meal or enjoy your food.
The English translation is ‘Enjoy your meal’
Café
A small coffee shop where you can buy drinks and snacks
The English translation is ‘coffee’
Carte blanche
Means a person has the freedom to do as they wish
The English translation is ‘white paper’
Déjà vu
Used to describe the feeling we get when we feeling like something has happened before.
The English translation is ‘already seen’
Femme fatale
A sexy seductress woman, that you know will get you into trouble.
The English translation is ‘deadly woman’
Faux pas
A term used to describe a mistake, slip up, or award moment.
The English translation is ‘False, wrong’
Entrepreneur
A person that starts his or her own business.
The English translation is ‘Contractor’
Genre
In terms of literary or artistic work, the word means type or kind
The English translation is ‘kind’
Hors-d’œuvres
These are starters and small finger foods.
The English translation is ‘Appetisers’
Lingerie
Underwear usually sexy, worn by women under their clothes.
The English translation is ‘Underwear’
Rendez-vous
This is a pre-planned meeting at a certain time and place.
The English translation is ‘Appointment’
Can you think of any other words that the English language has politely borrowed from the French?
