French is a language that has significantly impacted the English language. French has influenced many aspects of English culture, from food to fashion, politics to literature.
Many French words and phrases have been adopted into the English language over the centuries, and today, we use them without even realizing their origin.
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We’ve compiled a list of the most common 100 French-origin words used in everyday English. So whether you’re a language enthusiast or just curious about the roots of the words you use every day, this list will provide a fascinating insight into the impact of French on the English language!
Abattoir
à la carte
à la mode
Adieu
Adrenaline
Aide-de-camp
A la carte
Amuse-bouche
Animateur
Apéritif
Armada
Armory
Arrondissement
Attaché
Au contraire
Au courant
Au naturel
Au pair
Avant-garde
Baguette
Ballet
Basque
Batiste
Beignet
Bijou
Blancmange
Blasé
Blouse
Bon appétit
Bon vivant
Boutique
Bouquet
Bourgeois
Boudoir
Brigade
Cabaret
Café
Camembert
Caper
Carte blanche
Cartel
Cartilage
Cascade
Cassette
Cavalier
Chaise longue
Champagne
Chaperone
Château
Chauffeur
Chef
Chic
Chiffon
Cliché
Clinique
Coiffure
Coincidence
Collage
Colonel
Concierge
Cordon bleu
Corps
Coup
Couture
Cravat
Crème brûlée
Creme de la creme
Croupier
Cuisine
Cul-de-sac
Currant
Debut
Décolletage
Déjà vu
Demi-glace
Denouement
Depot
De rigueur
Detente
Double entendre
Douche
Éclair
Elite
Encore
Ennui
Entourage
Envoy
Escargot
Etiquette
Faux pas
Fiancé/fiancée
Filigree
Flambe
Foie gras
Force majeure
Frappé
Froufrou
Gourmet
Hors d’oeuvre
Lingerie
