C'est la vie
English spreads its arms far and wide to absorb words from other languages

The English language is a treat. It has many variations, is very deep-rooted, has taken over the world, and best of all, has accommodated many foreign languages in some form or the other. It has absorbed the best from many languages, and at the same time, retained its distinctiveness.

This is one of the main reasons for its acceptance the world over. So, a foreign phrase or word used in the language doesn’t come as a surprise; it only adds to its holistic nature. This trait has led to the accumulation of a vast vocabulary too.

According to some linguistic experts, “the English language is closing in on the one million word mark.” Many of us almost get taken aback by the very Hindi-sounding words which we come across in English. Some very popular examples are pyjamas, bazaar, curry, pundit, mantra, avatar… the list goes on for a while! Likewise, you will find many foreign phrases that are found not only in the written word, but are used in conversation too.

Foreign phrases have a number of uses. Renowned French writer Molière wove an entire play around maladeimaginaire (being a hypochondriac). There are some people who throw foreign phrases ad
arbitrium (at will) to publicise their sophistication or intellect. Phrases can be used in writing to epitomise characters, eg. folie de grandeur (delusion of greatness) serves a newbie well. The greatest way to get used to these phrases is to associate them with situations so that the meaning is clear. Remember, if you want to use them as they should be, you must know them well first!
You may come across foreign phrases or words almost anywhere. Interestingly, many restaurants and coffee shops serve very delectable-sounding wares, and if you don’t know the meaning, you may well order something that you really didn’t want or even like.

Many restaurants want to know if you will be ordering à la carte or having the buffet. Well, before we wish ourselves bon appétit, be ready to know the difference between an aperitif and an entrée. Coffee shops now offer numerous variations of the beverage. Instead of making a dreadful faux pas, it is de rigueur to brush up your multi- lingual abilities before attempting to order the café au lait or the good old coffee with milk. Once you’ve realised that such a situation is a fait accompli, your interest will start veering towards knowing and using these phrase more often. The sine qua non, or the indispensable element, is to pay attention to the way they are used in various forms. This will be helpful to set you apart from the hoi polloi as well, as it is certainly beneficial to be au fait, or well-instructed.

The legal world depends heavily on Latin as well as French phrases; some have found their way into common usage as well. Terms like prima- facie, sub-judice, force majeure, ad valorem, bona fide, de facto, de jure, etc, are used quite extensively. The world of fashion or apparel also depends extensively on the usage of foreign phrases since fashion, like the English language, draws inspiration from many countries and traditions. To be a femme fatale, you need the right mix of haute couture, and be a la mode!

Psychology, economics, and many other subjects also take recourse to the usage of foreign phrases. A doppelgänger is a paranormal double of a living person, typically representing evil or misfortune. Angst means fear or anxiety; it defines an intense feeling of nervousness or internal tumult. Being your bête noire means that you're predominantly hated by this person or that this person has a strong dislike for you. Phrases like bourgeois and the bourgeoisie described the emerging middle class. Laissez-faire is a very famous economic policy or political philosophy of a kind of ‘let do’, advocating leaving alone, or non-interference.

Socially, the usage is endless. To be a cause célèbre, you need savoir-faire, and also be sang-froid to survive. The raison d'être should see you through many situations and may give you the necessary joie de vivre! Before bidding you au revoir, may I hope you also become part of the crème de la crème of society, and gain that sense of accomplishing a social tour de force!