Continuation in 2007 of Foreign Phrases-
The usage of foreign phrases is inevitable in all facets of language which include formal and informal speech. Certain vocabulary or short phrases are used by speakers in its language of origin and in its original form in many foreign languages. Usage and popularity derived from many avenues and foreign words and phrases in some source languages have more popularity than others. French is a prime example. Although the number of speakers around the globe has declined considerably in the last two decades, it is still considered a language of prestige, sophistication, spoken by many and no doubt is one of the reasons for its foreign phrase popularity. The usage of Latin dominates in professional fields still today and Spanish IMO still has a long way to go in comparison because the spoken popularity of the language globally is considered a recent phenomenon. However, this does not mean that there are not any current Spanish phrases used in other languages as a foreign phrase.
Over the past while, I have been using some phrases more than usual and observing the usage of others and decided to add them to my list. Once again how often you hear these may depend on where you live currently, the common vernacular language(s) of your area, other factors include the books you read, the movies you watch and basically any medium where language is used.
82/ ante meridiem (A.M)- (Latin)- before noon
83/ auberge- (French)- inn
84/ avant-garde- (French)- innovative. (IMO this a common international phrase)
85/ belle époque- (French)- "the prosperous period" referring to French history
86/ chez- (French)- "at the house of" (this is definitely used internationally)
87/ cul-de-sac- (French)- a dead end. (IMO this a common international phrase)
88/ danke schön-(German)- Thank you very much
89/ fait accompli- (French)- Something that's already accomplished. (IMO this phrase is very common)
90/ folie- (French)- madness. Very common
91/ latte- (Italian)- milk
92/ RSVP- (French)- répondez, s'il vous plaît. Needless to say this is completely international.
* please ensure to check first before adding a foreign phrase to the list to avoid repetition.
-LDG.
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