Vive la France

Thousands of English words, from archery to zest, have their origins in French. Think you’re a word connoisseur? Take a tour through this petite list of terms, then sashay to the next page for answers.

1. raconteur n. – A: skilful storyteller. B: blackmailer. C: court jester.

2. faience n. – A: false pretences. B: fidelity. C: glazed pottery.

3. couturier n. – A: museum guide. B: fashion designer. C: head chef.

4. laissez-faire adj. – A: festive. B: non-interfering. C: done by women.

5. cabal n. – A: faction. B: young horse. C: crystal wineglass.

6. fait accompli n. – A: done deal. B: lucky charm. C: partner in crime.

7. au courant adj. – A: on the contrary. B: with cherries on top. C: up-to-date.

8. interlard v. – A: encroach on. B: vary by intermixing. C: fluctuate in weight. 9. soupçon n. – A: wooden ladle. B: swindle. C: small amount.

10. milieu n. – A: environment. B: thousand. C: armed force.

11. apéritif n. – A: gold pendant. B: cold sauce of oil and vinegar. C: before-meal drink.

12. pince-nez n. – A: clipped-on eyeglasses. B: rude interruption. C: narrow hallway.

13. sangfroid n. – A: intense heat wave. B: composure under strain. C: mind reading.

14. fracas n. – A: wool scarf. B: noisy quarrel. C: utter failure.

15. roué n. – A: thick meat sauce. B: rakish man. C: illegal gambling game.