Welcome to “Foreign Words Used in English,” where we embark on a fascinating journey through the linguistic tapestry that enriches your vocabulary. Language is a living entity that effortlessly absorbs influences from diverse cultures around the world, and English, as one of the most widely spoken languages, exemplifies this dynamic nature. Throughout this post, we will explore the origins, meanings, and stories behind the foreign words seamlessly woven into the fabric of English, revealing the interconnectedness of global cultures and celebrating the vibrant diversity that shapes this language. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems behind these borrowed words, and discover how they contribute to the beauty and richness of the English language.
Foreign Words and Phrases Used in English
Here are some examples of foreign words and phrases from different languages that are used in English.
Bon appétit (French)
Meaning: Used to wish someone an enjoyable meal or to express good appetite.
Origin: French, literally meaning “good appetite.”
Example sentence: “Before digging into their delicious feast, the host exclaimed, ‘Bon appétit, everyone!'”
Zeitgeist (German)
Meaning: Refers to the spirit of a particular period, encompassing the prevailing ideas, attitudes, and cultural trends.
Origin: German, combining “Zeit” (time) and “Geist” (spirit).
Example sentence: “The artistic movement of the 1920s, known as the ‘Roaring Twenties,’ perfectly captured the zeitgeist of that era.”
C’est la vie (French)
Meaning: A phrase used to express acceptance of a situation, often with a sense of resignation, meaning “That’s life.”
Origin: French, meaning “such is life” or “that’s how things are.”
Example sentence: “After losing the game, he shrugged and said, ‘C’est la vie,’ acknowledging the unpredictability of outcomes.”
Schadenfreude (German)
Meaning: Refers to the pleasure derived from the misfortune or suffering of others.
Origin: German, combining “Schaden” (harm) and “Freude” (joy).
Example sentence: “Although it’s not noble, many people can’t help but feel a sense of schadenfreude when watching a rival team’s defeat.”
Wanderlust (German)
Meaning: A strong desire or impulse to travel and explore the world.
Origin: German, combining “Wander” (to hike, roam) and “Lust” (desire, pleasure).
Example sentence: “She couldn’t resist the pull of wanderlust, so she packed her bags and embarked on a solo adventure across Europe.”
RSVP (French)
Meaning: An abbreviation for “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” which translates to “Please respond” in English. It is used to request a response to an invitation.
Origin: French, directly translated as “Respond if you please.”
Example sentence: “The wedding invitation included an RSVP card, asking guests to confirm their attendance by a certain date.”
Hasta la vista (Spanish)
Meaning: A farewell phrase, meaning “Until we meet again” or “Goodbye.”
Origin: Spanish, popularized by its use in movies, notably in the film “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”
Example sentence: “As they waved goodbye to their friends, they shouted, ‘Hasta la vista!’ promising to reunite in the future.”
Carpe diem (Latin)
Meaning: A philosophical expression encouraging one to seize or make the most of the present moment.
Origin: Latin, meaning “seize the day.”
Example sentence: “Inspired by the mantra ‘carpe diem,’ she decided to quit her job and pursue her lifelong passion.”
Foreign Words Used in Everyday English
In the table below you can find more foreign words and phrases used in English.
| Foreign Word/Phrase Used in English | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Fiasco | Refers to a complete failure or disaster. | “The party planning turned into a fiasco when the caterer didn’t show up, and the decorations were all wrong.” |
| Déjà vu | The feeling of having experienced something before, despite it being a new occurrence. | “As she walked into the old mansion, a sense of déjà vu washed over her, as if she had been there in a previous life.” |
| Bona fide | Genuine or authentic. | “The antique dealer assured the customers that the painting was a bona fide Picasso, certified by experts.” |
| Ad nauseam | Refers to something being done or discussed repeatedly to the point of annoyance or exhaustion. | “The politician repeated his talking points ad nauseam, frustrating the audience with the lack of new ideas.” |
| Joie de vivre | A French phrase meaning “joy of living,” representing a zest for life and an exuberant enjoyment of everyday experiences. | “Her infectious laughter and positive outlook on life showcased her undeniable joie de vivre.” |
| Magnum opus | Refers to an artist’s greatest work or a person’s most significant achievement. | “The renowned composer’s magnum opus, a symphony that took years to create, received standing ovations at its premiere.” |
| Hoi polloi | Refers to the common people or the general population, often with a connotation of the masses lacking sophistication. | “The luxury boutique caters to the elite, offering exclusivity not meant for the hoi polloi.” |
| Bon voyage | A phrase used to wish someone a pleasant journey or trip. | “As they hugged their loved ones at the airport, they bid them farewell, saying, ‘Bon voyage! Have a safe and enjoyable trip!'” |
