Commonly Used Foreign Words and Phrases Word Definitions Example of Use Parts of Speech Word Origins

Why should we study foreign words? Foreign words are what created our present day English language. In order to better understand our spoken and written language we need to understand some foreign words and phrases. These foreign words and phrases help us to better understand our English language, express ourselves more clearly, and comprehend the meaning behind some expressions.

Directions for Use To use this power point, click on the word you are studying from the table of contents. That will take you to the slide with the pronunciation of the word, the definition of the word, the origin of the word, the part of speech to which the word belongs, and an example of the word used in a sentence. To hear the word pronounced, click on the word in blue at the top of the slide. A pronunciation window will pop up and the word should be pronounced. If this does not happen, just click on the link in the window that says, “to hear the word again.” The word should be pronounced.

Table of Contents-1 RSVPalma mater déjà vucum laude faux pasfemme fatale du jouresprit de corps bon voyageverbatim E pluribus unum C’est la vie BonjourBonjour hasta la vistahasta la vista mi casa es su casa

RSVP Used on an invitation to indicate that the favor of a reply is requested Part of Speech - Verb (used without object) – to reply to an invitation: Don’t forget to RSVP before Thursday. or –Noun (a reply to an invitation) – He sent a lovely bouquet of flowers with his RSVP. Word Origin - from the French phrase “repondez s’il vous plait”

déjà vu Psychology; the illusion of having previously experienced something actually being encountered for the first time; disagreeable familiarity or sameness The new television season had a sense of déjà vu about it—the same old plots and characters with new names. Part of Speech - Noun Word Origin - French

faux pas A slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion He committed a social faux pas when he called her Mrs. Instead of Miss. Part of Speech – Noun Word Origin - French

du jour As prepared on the particular day; of the kind being served today: du = of, jour = day The soup du jour is split pea. Part of Speech – Noun Word Origin - French

bon voyage Have a pleasant trip! Bon voyage, mom! Part of Speech – Interjection Word Origin - French

alma mater a school, college, or university at which one has studied and, usually, from which one has graduated I went a football game at my alma mater, UTK. Part of Speech – Noun Word Origin - Latin

cum laude An academic honor given at graduation (Magna cum laude: with high honors) (Summa cum laude: the highest academic distinction) She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Tech. Part of Speech – Adverb Word Origin - Latin

femme fatale An irresistibly attractive woman, especially one who leads men into difficult, dangerous, or disastrous situations; a siren Angelina Jolie is a true femme fatale. Part of Speech – Noun Word Origin - French

esprit de corps a sense of unity and of common interests and responsibilities, as developed among a group of persons closely associated in a task, cause, or enterprise, etc. Participation in community service improves the group’s esprit de corps. Part of Speech – Noun Word Origin - French

verbatim in exactly the same words; word for word “to repeat something verbatim” – Adverb corresponding word for word to the original - Adjective James mother told him to tell the principal about the argument he had with his teacher. Adv. This is a verbatim recording of the proceedings. Adj. Part of Speech – Adjective or adverb Word Origin - Latin

E pluribus unum out of many, one (motto of the United States) E pluribus unum was adopted as the national motto for the United States in Part of Speech – Phrase Word Origin - Latin

express philosophical acceptance of the way things are: “That’s Life” Suzanne’s response to her job loss was, “C’est la vie.” Part of Speech – Noun Word Origin – French French for good morning or good afternoon c’ est la vie

Bonjour good morning or good afternoon The hostess greeted each guest with a polite bonjour. Part of Speech – Interjection Word Origin – French

hasta la vista “Until Later” Sharon’s response as she left was “hasta la vista.” Part of Speech – Noun Word Origin – Spanish

mi casa es su casa My house is your house Please make yourselves at home. Mi casa es su casa. Part of Speech – Word Origin – Spanish