There are phrases you commonly use that have their origin in the French language. This article discusses some of these phrases and their true meaning. Knowledge of these expressions will strengthen your vocabulary and give you an impressive catalog of phrases to use in your speaking.



Coup. This is an English-shortened version of the French phrase “coup d’etat." However, the meaning is the same, in that it refers to a well executed stratagem or a takeover of a government or other entity.

Concierge. This word has not strayed far from its French origin in its meaning of a hotel desk manager, although in French it can also refer to the caretaker of a building who lives near the front door.

Au contraire. This phrase, which means “to the contrary," has the same meaning in both English and French.

A la mode. The original French expression refers to something that is fashionable. Somehow, in English, this phrase came to mean a food item with ice cream on top.

Fiance. In French, this means “engaged." However, there are two versons of the word in French, one version which refers to a man and a version with two “e"s refers to a woman.

Protégé. The literal meaning of this French word is “protected." In English, we mean it to mean someone who is learning from an influential individual.

In lieu of. This phrase has basically the same meaning in both languages, which is “instead of" or “in place of."

Je ne sais quoi. The words in this phrase literally mean “I don’t know what." This definition has been extended in English to refer to something of a desirable, mysterious nature; something that is hard to describe.

Déjà vu. In French, this expression literally means “already seen." In English, the original definition has been extended to refer to the illusion or feeling of having already experienced something that is happening for the first time.

Risque. It is risky to be too risqué. In French, the word literally means “risked." In English, we use the word to mean something that is provocative or sexually suggestive.

This small sampling highlights how many French-based expressions used by Americans have retained much of their original meaning. However, it is less important to know the true meaning than it is to know how to use (and pronounce) these phrases in your business vocabulary. Learning and using expressions such as these will make you sound more intelligent.