The French language constitutes a reasonable percentage of the English language vocabulary. From the VOA Learning English Program, let us look at some of them as used in the American English.
1) MAYDAY: This is an emergency code usually used by pilots to communicate that a plane is in danger of crashing to the ground. It is from the French expression “(Venez) m’aider,” or “m’aidez,” which means “Help Me.”
Frederick Stanley Mockford created the Mayday call signal in the 1920s, as a radio officer at Croydon Airport in London. Today, the Mayday call is given three times to signal a life-threatening emergency.
2) SABOTAGE: It means to destroy or damage as an act of subversion against an organization or nation.
A person who sabotages is a Saboteur.
3) LAISSEZ-FAIRE: It means to leave alone and not interfere. It was first used in France in the 18th century.
4) ENTREPRENEUR: It means a person who starts and operates a new business and takes the responsibility for any risks involved.
5) FILM NOIR: It is a movie about murder and other crimes. Such films were popular in the 1940s and 50s.
6) AVANT-GARDE: This refers to anything in art, music or literature that is very modern or ahead of its time.
7) RÉSUMÉ: It is a documentation of one’s education, skills and experience.
8) SAUTÉ: This means frying something quickly in a small amount of oil or butter.
9) FLAMBÉ: It is a technique by which alcohol is added to
a dish and then lit on fire.
a dish and then lit on fire.
10) BON APPÉTIT: It means “good appetite,”
or “enjoy your meal.”
or “enjoy your meal.”
11) BON VOYAGE: It means “have a good trip.”
Au revoir! (Good-bye!)
Au revoir! (Good-bye!)
