Foreign phrases in English
October 6th, 2015 in Words
English language has borrowed numerous words and phrases from foreign languages. Today, many of these words/phrases are an integral part of the English vocabulary. Here is a quick overview of foreign phrases in English.
Ab initio (Latin): from the beginning
Ad hoc (Latin): Made for this particular purpose
Ad infinitum (Latin): to infinity
Agent provocateur (French): This phrase is used to refer to a person who encourages a suspected criminal to commit a crime so that they can be caught and convicted.
Alfresco (Italian): in the open air
Amour proper (French): self-respect
Annus mirabilis (Latin): a remarkable or auspicious year
Au courant (French): well informed
Au fait (French): having a good knowledge
Au fond (French) in essence
Au naturel (French): in the most natural way
Beau ideal (French): ideal beauty
Beau monde (French): fashionable society
Bête noire (French): a person or a thing that you particularly dislike
Blitzkrieg (German): a violent military campaign launched with the objective of bringing about a swift victory
Bona fide (Latin): genuine; real
Bon vivant (French): a person with a sociable and luxurious lifestyle
Carpe diem (Latin): seize the day
Carte blanche (French): complete freedom to act as you wish
Caveat emptor (Latin): let the buyer beware
De facto (Latin): whether by right or not
Déjà vu (French): the sense of having experienced the present situation before
De jure (Latin): rightful; by right