There are many French words that are commonly used in English. Some of these words include:
- Bon appétit – Used to wish someone a good meal before they eat.
- Déjà vu – Refers to the feeling of having already experienced something.
- RSVP – An abbreviation for “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “Please respond” in French.
- Fiancé/fiancée – Refers to an engaged man (fiancé) or woman (fiancée).
- Rendezvous – Typically used in English to refer to a planned meeting or gathering.
- Cliché – Describes something that is overused or predictable.
- Boutique – Refers to a small shop or specialized store.
- Cul-de-sac – Used to refer to a dead-end street.
- à la carte – Refers to ordering individual dishes from a menu rather than a set meal.
- Château – Used to describe a French castle or large country house.
- Champagne – A type of sparkling wine.
- Ballet – A type of dance performance.
- Baguette – A long, thin loaf of bread.
- Cuisine – Refers to a specific style of cooking or food preparation.
- Fête – A celebration or party.
- Hors d’oeuvre – Small appetizer or snack served before a meal.
- Lingerie – Women’s underwear or intimate apparel.
- Croissant – A crescent-shaped pastry.
- Décor – Refers to the style or arrangement of furnishings and decorations.
- Laissez-faire – A policy or approach of non-interference or minimal government involvement.
- Blouse – A loose-fitting top or shirt.
- Innuendo – An indirect or subtle suggestion or remark.
- Faux pas – A social blunder or mistake.
- Pâté – A spreadable mixture of finely minced or puréed meat, fish, or vegetables.
- Coup de grâce – The final blow that brings about the end or destruction of something.
- Sabotage – Deliberate damage or sabotage to hinder or undermine something.
- Bon voyage – Used to wish someone a good journey or safe travels.
- Éclair – A pastry filled with cream and topped with icing.
- Souvenir – A memento or keepsake.
- En route – On the way or during the journey.
- Parfait – A frozen dessert usually consisting of layers of ice cream, fruit, and sauce.
- Bonjour – The French word for “hello” or “good day.”
- Denouement – The resolution or final outcome of a story, or the unraveling of a mystery.
- Coup d’état – A sudden overthrow of a government by military or political means.
- Tête-à-tête – A private conversation or intimate discussion between two people.
- Matinée – A daytime performance, typically of theater or cinema.
- Coup – A sudden and decisive action, typically in politics or military affairs.
- C’est la vie – The phrase translates to “such is life” or “that’s life” in English, expressing acceptance of a situation.
- Crème brûlée – A dessert consisting of a creamy custard base topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
- Au revoir – The French phrase for “goodbye.”
- Provocateur – A person who deliberately incites or provokes others.
- Bric-a-brac – Small decorative objects, often of little value, typically displayed for decorative purposes.