The Foreign in English!

Approximately 375 million people speak English as their first language, in fact it’s the 3rd most commonly spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Interestingly, it is the number 1 second language used worldwide.

 *courtesy – www.boldsky.com

But whilst it’s the most widely spoken language, there are still a few areas where the language falters in expressing an emotion, a moment or an event accurately. We look at some foreign expressions used in English, without which the language would simply be insipid ( Not to forget it makes you sound smart when used right !!)

1. Déjà vu

Déjà vu is a French expression that means “the sensation of having previously experienced something that one is experiencing” (used as an noun)

 E.g. I experienced déjà vu when I entered the kitchen, even though I was fully aware that I had never been in that house before.

2. Vis-à-Vis

The literal meaning of this French expression is “face to face” (used as an adverb). It is used more widely as a preposition though, meaning “compared with” or “in relation to.”

 E.g. I would like to check out how I performed vis-à-vis the others on the test. 

3. Status quo

This famous Latin expression means “the current or existing state of affairs.” If something changes the status quo, it is changing the way things presently are.

 E.g. Its time for a students’ movement to rise up against the unfair admission status quo.

4. Cul-de-sac

This expression was originated in England by French-speaking aristocrats. Literally it means “bottom of a sack,” but generally it refers to a dead-end street. Cul-de-sac can also be used metaphorically to express an action that leads to nowhere or an impasse

  E.g. We had less traffic living on the cul-de-sac, but faced trouble getting in and out when the street was being repaired.

5. Per se

Per se is a Latin expression that means “by itself” or “intrinsically.” It is as well sometimes used preceding a term indicated, especially in more formal (e.g., legal) usage or to state a positive scenario.

  E.g. “It’s not that I consider it a ‘joke’ per se. It’s just that I don’t think it takes the subject seriously enough, under the circumstances.”

6. Ad hoc

Ad hoc, is borrowed from the Latin, can be used both as an adjective, where it means “formed or created with a specific purpose,” and as an adverb, where it means “for the specific purpose or situation.” 

  E.g.  After a tornado swept through the school, an ad hoc group of parents was formed to assist in the repairs.

     7. Tete-a-Tete

Tete-aTete, is borrowed from the French, can be used both as an noun, where it means “a private, intimate conversation,” and as an adverb, where it means “face-to-face, intimate”. 

 E.g. Me and my friends had a refreshing tete-a-tete at the cafeteria today. 

     8.  KITSCH (kitsh)

Kitsch is a German expression that means “artifacts of low quality” any Art or literature of cheap, but popular, sentimental quality.

  E.g. Tourists often buy kitsch at souvenir stands.  

    9.  Verbatim

The literal meaning of this Latin work is “using exactly the same words” or “word for word”.

  E.g. Attends court and makes a verbatim record of all proceedings. 

   10. Bon Voyage

This famous French expression means “have a pleasant trip” 

 E.g.   Joe : I have to take my flight for LA

          Matt : Bon voyage !

So you see, the ever-changing and ever-adaptable nature of language is part of what makes languages so wonderfully interesting. If you think you have amazing language skillsand would love a linguistic challenge up your sleeve, then you should surely participate in the Meritnation-Spell Vocab Challenger 2013 a one of its kind quiz competition for school students across India that tests your proficiency in English

For More Information: Click Here

Cheers!

Team Meritnation