French words in English

French Words in English

One of the most interesting things about the English language is that it is full of words that come from French. Indeed, these so-called “borrow” words make our language much more exciting.

Also, knowing these words can help you to learn French. Here’s a list over 50 words, phrases and expressions in English that come from French. There a lot more of these words that don’t appear on this list. I picked my favorite and the ones that are most commonly used. You can click on any of the French words and listen to the audio pronunciation. Enjoy!

à la

To the/in the manner of

à la carte

Restaurant menu items sold separately or individually usually in smaller portions.

à la mode

Refers to serving a desert with ice cream, eg “apple pie à la mode.

à propos

regarding/concerning

adieu

good-bye or farewell

amuse-bouche

Small bite-size hors d’œuvre

apéritif

A drink taken before a meal, usually alcoholic.

au jus

Culinary term referring to serving a dish with sauce

blasé

Not being impressed with something due to over-familiarity

bon appétit

“Enjoy your meal” – said before eating

bon vivant

Somebody who enjoys their life

boy voyage

Enjoy your trip!

bourgeois

Preoccupied with material values and class rank or status

brunette

Usually refers to a female with brown hair

café

A coffee house

café au lait

Coffee with milk

chic

Stylish, in fashion

cliché

A saying that is used to often

clique

A tight or exclusive group – pronounced “Click” in English.

crèche

Nativity scene for christmas

crème brûlée

Desert with custard and caramelized sugar

crème de la crème

Best of the best

critique

An analysis of one’s work

cul-de-sac

dead-end street

décor

Referring to home decorating

déjà vu

Literally “already seen” but refers to situations that seem like they’ve happened before.

dossier

A file containing information about a person

eau de toilette

Aromatic splashing water used after bathing; a mild perfume or cologne

eau de vie

Whiskey, brandy or other strong alcoholic beverages.

en garde

“Take your guard” – said in the sport of fencing.

entre nous

Between us…

entrée

The main dish of a meal (US) or the first course of a meal (UK)

façade

A fake persona or false impressions

faux

Adjective for fake, eg faux fur for fake fur

faux pas

Something one must not do in order to remain polite

femme fatale

A seductrice harboring bad intentions.

fiancé/e

A woman or man who will be married.

gaffe

Stupid mistake or blunder

genre

Type or kind

haute cuisine

High-end or gourmet cooking

hors d’œuvre

Appetizer

joie de vivre

Joy of living

laissez-faire

Political philosophy referring to non-interference

malaise

Sickness or not feeling comfortable

Mardi Gras

Fat Tuesday, annual festival celebrated in New Orleans.

milieu

Social environment

né, née

Born, used in writing when referring to a woman’s maiden name.

nouveau riche

Refers to people who have recently become wealthy but were previously poor.

panache

Flamboyance

par avion

Air mail

prêt-à-porter

Ready to wear

raison d’être

Reason or purpose for existing

rapprochement

Diplomatic term for two states or bodies moving towards each other

renaissance

Literally “rebirth” – Refers to 14-17th century Europe

savant

Knowing or brilliant – often used in relation to those with Autism.

soirée

Refers to an evening party

soupe du jour

Soup of the day.

tête-à-tête

Literally “head-to-head” – Refers to two people facing offer in a close debate.

vinaigrette

Oil and vinegar salad dressing

vis-à-vis

Comparing one thing in relation to another