# مصطلحات خارجية ينبغي معرفتها
Foreign Idioms You Should Know
PART IV
Think you don’t know a foreign language? Au contraire (see below)! Chances are you’ve used at least a few of the expressions on this list. Each of the following items is a bona fide (see below) foreign idiom that has been adopted wholesale into English. Many of these idioms are de rigueur (see below) for the discerning conversationalist.
a capella (ah kub-PELL-a), music, adjective
Singing without musical accompaniment. Used as an adjective, a capella often refers to a rhythmic and highly inventive vocal style.
The group’s A CAPELLA rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” was remarkably good, especially considering that the song is quite difficult to sing with musical accompaniment.
ad hoc (ad HOK), adjective For a specific purpose or end; formed for immediate or present need. This Latin phrase translates literally to “for this purpose.”
Anything that is designed or set aside for a specific purpose may be referred to as ad hoc.
The council established an AD HOC committee to review textbook standards in the face of the sudden complaints from parents.
ad infinitum (ad in-fi-NEYE-tum), adjective
Without end. Literally, “to infinity.” The phrase refers to things without end or to something that is limitless. In practical use, ad infinitum usually carries a sense of ironic overstatement.
Wilbur remarked wryly that he could probably discuss the treatment facility’s weaknesses AD INFINITUM.
ad lib (ad lib), verb An off the cuff, spontaneous remark; also, to make such a remark. I marveled at Erika’s ability to AD LIB her way through the meeting, knowing as I did that she hadn’t even read the annual report.
ad nauseam (AD NAW-zee-um), adverb To a sickening degree. This Latin phrase often is invoked when someone goes on and on about something and just doesn’t know when to stop.
I know Helen loves her dogs, but she can go on about their exploits AD NAUSEAM.
anorexia nervosa (an-uh-REX-ee-uh nur-VOH-suh), noun
A disease in which the sufferer has a morbid fear of being obese and loses weight by means of virtual starvation, refusing to stop even when nearly emaciated.
The late Karen Carpenter’s was perhaps the most widely publicized case of ANOREXIA
NERVOSA. art nouveau (ART NEW-voh), noun
From the French meaning “new art,” “art nouveau” remains a popular form of design, which originated in the 1880s. It is characterized by wavy objects like flower stems, flowing hair, flames, etc.
That museum’s collection of ART NOUVEAU jewelry makes it one of the town’s best-kept secrets.
au contraire (oh kon-TRARE), noun
On the contrary; the opposite.
“AU CONTRAIRE, you pompous fool,” cried Jeanne; “I’m not playing hard to get at all, but rather despise you with all my heart!”
au courant (oh kuh-RONT), adjective Up-to-date; current. Mary Ann prided herself on her ability to stay AU COURANT with the latest trends in fashion.
au naturel (oh nat-choo-RELL), adjective
As is, without embellishment or adornment; also, nude.
Karen wanted to crawl under the table when her mother started showing her fiance the family photo album, which featured a number of embarrassing photos of her on the changing table, AU NATUREL.
au revoir (oh rih-VWAHR), interjective
Goodbye; until we meet again.
I thought I had bid my last party guest “AU REVOIR,” and was about to retire for the night, when I found Philbert passed out in the bathtub.
avant-garde (ahv-ahnt-GARD), adjective
Relating to the latest trends, especially in the world of art; of a new or experimental nature. The term is French for “fore guard”, or furthest from the line of battle. The avant-garde is the latest, most advanced work in a field, especially in the arts. As a noun, avant garde refers to the group doing this work.
Milton found keeping pace with AVANT-GARDE work in sculpture both challenging and rewarding for his own work.
bete noire (bett NWAHR), noun Something one does not like or finds extremely fearful. Bete noire is French for “black
beast.” Jean got A’s in all subjects except geometry, her longtime BETE NOIRE.
billet-doux (bill-ay-DOO), noun A love letter. (Plural: billets-doux.) The young couple exchanged BILLETS-DOUX almost every day the summer they were apart.
bon mot (bon moe), noun
A clever or witty comment.
The secretary of state’s well-timed BON MOT about the shortcomings of American
beer helped to put everyone at ease at a tense moment of the summit meeting.
bon vivant (bon vih-VAHNT), noun A person who enjoys living well. In Paris with her rich aunt, Janice lived the life of a BON VIVANT, shopping and dining out to her heart’s content.
carpe diem (KAR-pay DEE-uhm) noun Relish the present and take joy now in the pleasure of life, rather than focusing on the future. Carpe diem is Latin for “seize the day.” His final admonition was to live life to the fullest—a CARPE DIEM he seemed to have heeded rarely himself.
carte blanche (kart blonsh), noun Unrestricted power, access, or privilege; permission to act entirely as one wishes. Carte blanche is from the French for “blank document”; the essential meaning is that one is free to “write one’s own ticket.”
Jean had CARTE BLANCHE during her first month or so as office manager, but the vice-president eventually came to supervise her much more closely.
caveat emptor (KAH-vee-ott EMP-tore), noun “Let the buyer beware.” Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase warning that swindles and misrepresentation are common in the world of commerce. (A caveat is a warning.) The term can also mean that goods are sold without warranty.
Fran bought the goods at her own peril and regretted her act: CAVEAT EMPTOR!
comme ci, comme ça (kum SEE kum SA), adverb Middling; neither extraordinarily good nor extraordinarily poor. French for “like this, like that.” “COMME CI, COMME ÇA,” shrugged Wells when I asked him how he was doing.
coup de grace (koo duh GRAHCE), noun A decisive act or event that brings a situation to a close; the finishing blow. The COUP DE GRACE came when Paul threw his bowl of oatmeal at Mona’s feet, leading her to reevaluate their relationship.
de facto (dih FAK-toe), noun In fact; actual. The death of the prime minister left Jones, for the moment, the DE FACTO leader of the nation.
deja vu (day-zhuh VOO), noun The experience of seeming to have seen or experienced a present event at some time in the past. Deja vu is French for “already
seen.”
Those who remember the format of last year’s test may feel a sense of DEJA VU upon reviewing this year’s.
de rigueur (deuh rih-GER), adjective
Required by etiquette; in good taste or form.
Since black tie and tails were DE RIGUEUR for the social events his new wife attended regularly, Julian found himself buying a tuxedo for the first time in his life.
en masse (on MASS), adverb
Together; in one body or group. En masse is a French term that translates loosely as “in the form of a crowd.”
The mob moved EN MASSE toward the Capitol.
e.g. (ee jee), abbreviation, adverb
An abbreviation for the Latin term exempli gratia, “for example.”
Many of the luxury cars so popular twenty years ago, E.g., Cadillacs and Lincoln Continentals, have been forced to develop smaller models to compete with today’s popular compact vehicles.
et al. (et al), abbreviation, adverb
The abbreviation for the Latin term et alia, meaning “and others.”
Members of Congress, the justices of the Supreme Court, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ET AL. waited for President Clinton to enter and give his first State of the Union address.
ex officio (ECKS uh-FISH-ee-oh), noun This Latin expression denotes someone who holds a title by virtue of his or her office. The president of the United States is the EX OFFICIO commander in chief of the United States’s armed forces.
fait accompli (FATE uh-com-PLEE), noun Something undertaken and already concluded. A fait accompli (from the French for “accomplished fact”) is an act or event presented as beyond challenge or attempted reversal.
Clive simply signed the contract without consulting his superior and presented the agreement as a FAIT ACCOMPLI.
faux pas (foe PAW), noun
A social error. Faux pas is French for “false step.”
I’m afraid that by publicly refusing to shake hands with your opponent you’ve done more than commit a FAUX PAS; you may well have lost the election.
femme fatale (femme fuh-TAL), noun A seductive woman who uses her charms to trick men into compromising or dangerous situations; a woman who uses her feminine wiles for gain.
Although the movie industry makes much of its supposed progressiveness, feminists note with disdain that most leading roles for women still lean heavily on stereotype: the ingenue, the FEMME FATALE, the devoted mother battling for her children against all odds.
fin de siecle (fahn-day-say-ECK-luh), adjective This French expression meaning “end of the century” typically refers to the fashions, art, ideas, etc. associated with the end of the
nineteenth century, but in general use, the expression describes ideas, art, fashions, etc. considered modern and up-to-date.
Martin prides himself on always being aware of FIN DE SIECLE philosophies, especially those that come from Europe.
haute couture (OAT kyoo-CHOOR), noun
High fashion. Haute couture is the most stylish and influential way of designing clothes at a given time. (Haute couture also refers to articles of clothing currently considered of the highest style.)
Unfamiliar with the ways of HAUTE COUTURE, Wendell decided to pass up the fashion show.
haute cuisine (oat kwi-ZEEN), noun Gourmet preparation of food. Haute cuisine can also refer to the preparation of meals as an art form. Glenn knows more than we do about HAUTE CUISINE; let’s let him pick the restaurant tonight.
i.e. (eye ee), abbreviation, adverb An abbreviation for the Latin expression id est, meaning “that is.” Please make sure your child comes to school on the first day with all the necessary supplies, I.E., pencils, erasers, and notebooks.
je ne sais quoi (zheuh-neuh-say-KWAH), noun
From the French for “I don’t know what”; a special, intangible quality.
“This ascot you lent me lends a certain . . . JE NE SAIS QUOI,” said Edgar, turning to catch himself at a better angle in the mirror.
mea culpa (me-uh-KULP-uh), noun
From the Latin meaning “I am to blame,” a mea culpa is acknowledgment, usually public acknowledgment, of a blunder or mistake.
After the politician made racially tinged comments, he spent the better part of a month offering MEA CULPAS on national television.
mise en scene (mee-zahn-SENN), noun From the French meaning “putting on stage,” mise en scene denotes the setting and placing of actors and scenery on a stage or in a film. In general, the term has become synonymous with one’s surroundings and environment.
Most people either love or hate the MISE EN SCENE of Elvis Presley’s Graceland and especially its infamous “ jungle room.”
modus operandi (MO-duss op-uh-RAN-deye), noun
The mode of operation or style of doing something; from the Latin for “method of operating.”
When Jason confessed, the police thought they had their killer, but after careful questioning it became apparent he didn’t know anything about the strange MODUS OPERANDI linking the murders, or about the silver cuff link always dropped at the scene of the crime.
modus vivendi (MO-duss vih-VEN-dee), noun
Lifestyle; a way of living.
While most envied his rich and seemingly carefree existence, Glen often found his extravagant MODUS VIVENDI rather empty and lonely.
mon ami (mone-ah-MEE), noun My friend. Deadlines come and deadlines go, MON AMI, but you and I remain.
ne plus ultra (nay plooce OOL-truh), noun The highest possible embodiment (of something). Ne plus ultra is Latin for “Do not go beyond this point.” Many consider Oedipus Rex the drama’s NE PLUS ULTRA.
n’ est-ce pas (ness PAH), adverb From the French “Is it not so?”; “Correct?” “Well, class,” our French teacher said, “since you all spent the weekend studying, this test should be a breeze, N’EST-CE PAS?”
noblesse oblige (no-BLESS oh-BLEEZH), noun Benevolence befitting a person’s dignity and/or possession of high birth. Noblesse oblige is from the French for “nobility obliges.”
The phrase usually refers to charitable actions or disposition toward those in classes perceived as low.
A sense of NOBLESSE OBLIGE, not desire for headlines, motivates the Beal family’s admirable tradition of giving and volunteerism.
nolo contendere (NO-lo kun-TEND-er-ee), noun
In law, a plea that admits no guilt, but subjects the defendant to penalty.
(Literally, “I am unwilling to contend.”)
Charged with income tax evasion, Vice-President Spiro Agnew pleaded NOLO CONTENDERE, to the perfect satisfaction of the Internal Revenue Service.
nom de guerre (nom duh GARE), noun A name taken or bestowed during wartime. Nom de guerre is French for “wartime name.” Fred’s NOM DE GUERRE in the regiment was Rookie, and he did not like it.
nom de plume (nom duh PLOOM), noun An author’s pseudonym or pen name. The writer Samuel Langhorne Clemens is better known by his NOM DE PLUME, Mark Twain.
non sequitur (non-SEK-wi-tur), noun, adjective Something that does not follow logically. A statement that has no basis in what has gone before is considered a non sequitur. The professor pointed out the many NON SEQUITURS contained in the pamphlet.
nota bene (NOTE-ah BEN-eh), noun
A term used to draw attention to a particular point; Latin for “note well.” (Sometimes rendered as “N.B.”)
Applications will be accepted until the first of the month, provided, NOTA BENE, that they are accompanied by an income tax return filed within the last two years.
Nouveau riche (noo-voh-REESH), noun and adjective Someone recently wealthy. Nouveau riche is often used to describe those whose newfound wealth brings with it a tactless or overbearing attitude.
The escapades of the NOUVEAU RICHE are not the concern of this column.
petit four (PET-ee FORE), noun A small decorated cake. Plural: petits fours. Aunt Marcia always served tea and PETITS FOURS at three o’clock.
prima donna (PREE-muh DON-nuh), noun A self-centered member of a group or organization who feels that his contributions are so important as to merit special treatment.
(Literally, a prima donna is the leading female singer in an opera company.)
There is no place for PRIMA DONNAS in this organization; we must work together as a team.
quid pro quo (kwid pro KWO), noun
A thing given in return for something else; Latin: “something for something.”
Ryan’s acceptance of a $40,000 check in return for a written promise to vote in favor of the highway project, a staggeringly obvious QUID PRO QUO, led to his indictment.
roman à clef (ro-MON ah KLAY), noun
A purportedly fictional work that only thinly veils the actual experiences of the author or of characters based on real personages.
Capote was ostracized by those in his circle when he published a devastating excerpt from a ROMAN À CLEF, Unanswered Prayers, that lampooned the frailties and indiscretions of the people who had been closest to him.
savoir faire (SAV-whah FAIRE), noun Tact or social skill. I’m afraid Helen just doesn’t have the SAVOIR FAIRE necessary to build coalitions in such a fractious organization.
sine qua non (SEE-nay kwa NON), noun An essential feature (of something). Sine qua non is Latin for “without which not.” Many people consider a happy ending to be the SINE QUA NON of a proper comedy.
status quo (STAH-tus KWO), noun The existing state of affairs or condition. Although Bill desperately wanted to get married, Melanie was more interested in preserving the STATUS QUO.
sui generis (SOO-ee-JEN-er-us), adjective From the Latin meaning “of its own kind,” sui generis describes someone or something that is completely unique, something that
seems to have sprung fully formed into existence.
Andrea’s SUI GENERIS writing style seemed far removed from anything I have read before or since.
tai chi chuan (tie jee chwan), noun A martial art of China that emphasizes slow, meditative movements. Each morning, I saw Erica in the park practicing the gentle, fluid movements she’ d learned in our TAI CHI CHUAN class.
terra cotta (tare-uh KOT-uh), noun, adjective A reddish clay modeling compound that hardens when exposed to extreme heat. Terra cotta is used primarily for pottery, the exterior facings of buildings, and sculpture.
The exhibition is notable for several gorgeous TERRA COTTA sculptures of birds dating from the 1890s.
tête-à-tête (TET ah tet), noun A meeting in which two people meet face-to-face. Tete-a-tete is French for “head-to-head.”
You and Millie have done enough talking behind each other’s back; I think the time has come for you to have a TETE-A-TETE and work this problem out once and for all.
trompe l’oeil (tromp LAY), noun An instance of visual trickery, as, for instance, an optical illusion giving the impression of three dimensions in a two-dimensional artistic medium.
The painter specialized in TROMPE L’OEIL murals that often fooled passersby into thinking they were walking toward a storefront.
vox populi (VOKS POP-yoo-lie), noun The voice of the people: public opinion. I reject the idea that any ideologue who phones up a radio talk show represents the VOX POPULI.
Foreign Idioms You Should Know
PART IV
Think you don’t know a foreign language? Au contraire (see below)! Chances are you’ve used at least a few of the expressions on this list. Each of the following items is a bona fide (see below) foreign idiom that has been adopted wholesale into English. Many of these idioms are de rigueur (see below) for the discerning conversationalist.
a capella (ah kub-PELL-a), music, adjective
Singing without musical accompaniment. Used as an adjective, a capella often refers to a rhythmic and highly inventive vocal style.
The group’s A CAPELLA rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” was remarkably good, especially considering that the song is quite difficult to sing with musical accompaniment.
ad hoc (ad HOK), adjective For a specific purpose or end; formed for immediate or present need. This Latin phrase translates literally to “for this purpose.”
Anything that is designed or set aside for a specific purpose may be referred to as ad hoc.
The council established an AD HOC committee to review textbook standards in the face of the sudden complaints from parents.
ad infinitum (ad in-fi-NEYE-tum), adjective
Without end. Literally, “to infinity.” The phrase refers to things without end or to something that is limitless. In practical use, ad infinitum usually carries a sense of ironic overstatement.
Wilbur remarked wryly that he could probably discuss the treatment facility’s weaknesses AD INFINITUM.
ad lib (ad lib), verb An off the cuff, spontaneous remark; also, to make such a remark. I marveled at Erika’s ability to AD LIB her way through the meeting, knowing as I did that she hadn’t even read the annual report.
ad nauseam (AD NAW-zee-um), adverb To a sickening degree. This Latin phrase often is invoked when someone goes on and on about something and just doesn’t know when to stop.
I know Helen loves her dogs, but she can go on about their exploits AD NAUSEAM.
anorexia nervosa (an-uh-REX-ee-uh nur-VOH-suh), noun
A disease in which the sufferer has a morbid fear of being obese and loses weight by means of virtual starvation, refusing to stop even when nearly emaciated.
The late Karen Carpenter’s was perhaps the most widely publicized case of ANOREXIA
NERVOSA. art nouveau (ART NEW-voh), noun
From the French meaning “new art,” “art nouveau” remains a popular form of design, which originated in the 1880s. It is characterized by wavy objects like flower stems, flowing hair, flames, etc.
That museum’s collection of ART NOUVEAU jewelry makes it one of the town’s best-kept secrets.
au contraire (oh kon-TRARE), noun
On the contrary; the opposite.
“AU CONTRAIRE, you pompous fool,” cried Jeanne; “I’m not playing hard to get at all, but rather despise you with all my heart!”
au courant (oh kuh-RONT), adjective Up-to-date; current. Mary Ann prided herself on her ability to stay AU COURANT with the latest trends in fashion.
au naturel (oh nat-choo-RELL), adjective
As is, without embellishment or adornment; also, nude.
Karen wanted to crawl under the table when her mother started showing her fiance the family photo album, which featured a number of embarrassing photos of her on the changing table, AU NATUREL.
au revoir (oh rih-VWAHR), interjective
Goodbye; until we meet again.
I thought I had bid my last party guest “AU REVOIR,” and was about to retire for the night, when I found Philbert passed out in the bathtub.
avant-garde (ahv-ahnt-GARD), adjective
Relating to the latest trends, especially in the world of art; of a new or experimental nature. The term is French for “fore guard”, or furthest from the line of battle. The avant-garde is the latest, most advanced work in a field, especially in the arts. As a noun, avant garde refers to the group doing this work.
Milton found keeping pace with AVANT-GARDE work in sculpture both challenging and rewarding for his own work.
bete noire (bett NWAHR), noun Something one does not like or finds extremely fearful. Bete noire is French for “black
beast.” Jean got A’s in all subjects except geometry, her longtime BETE NOIRE.
billet-doux (bill-ay-DOO), noun A love letter. (Plural: billets-doux.) The young couple exchanged BILLETS-DOUX almost every day the summer they were apart.
bon mot (bon moe), noun
A clever or witty comment.
The secretary of state’s well-timed BON MOT about the shortcomings of American
beer helped to put everyone at ease at a tense moment of the summit meeting.
bon vivant (bon vih-VAHNT), noun A person who enjoys living well. In Paris with her rich aunt, Janice lived the life of a BON VIVANT, shopping and dining out to her heart’s content.
carpe diem (KAR-pay DEE-uhm) noun Relish the present and take joy now in the pleasure of life, rather than focusing on the future. Carpe diem is Latin for “seize the day.” His final admonition was to live life to the fullest—a CARPE DIEM he seemed to have heeded rarely himself.
carte blanche (kart blonsh), noun Unrestricted power, access, or privilege; permission to act entirely as one wishes. Carte blanche is from the French for “blank document”; the essential meaning is that one is free to “write one’s own ticket.”
Jean had CARTE BLANCHE during her first month or so as office manager, but the vice-president eventually came to supervise her much more closely.
caveat emptor (KAH-vee-ott EMP-tore), noun “Let the buyer beware.” Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase warning that swindles and misrepresentation are common in the world of commerce. (A caveat is a warning.) The term can also mean that goods are sold without warranty.
Fran bought the goods at her own peril and regretted her act: CAVEAT EMPTOR!
comme ci, comme ça (kum SEE kum SA), adverb Middling; neither extraordinarily good nor extraordinarily poor. French for “like this, like that.” “COMME CI, COMME ÇA,” shrugged Wells when I asked him how he was doing.
coup de grace (koo duh GRAHCE), noun A decisive act or event that brings a situation to a close; the finishing blow. The COUP DE GRACE came when Paul threw his bowl of oatmeal at Mona’s feet, leading her to reevaluate their relationship.
de facto (dih FAK-toe), noun In fact; actual. The death of the prime minister left Jones, for the moment, the DE FACTO leader of the nation.
deja vu (day-zhuh VOO), noun The experience of seeming to have seen or experienced a present event at some time in the past. Deja vu is French for “already
seen.”
Those who remember the format of last year’s test may feel a sense of DEJA VU upon reviewing this year’s.
de rigueur (deuh rih-GER), adjective
Required by etiquette; in good taste or form.
Since black tie and tails were DE RIGUEUR for the social events his new wife attended regularly, Julian found himself buying a tuxedo for the first time in his life.
en masse (on MASS), adverb
Together; in one body or group. En masse is a French term that translates loosely as “in the form of a crowd.”
The mob moved EN MASSE toward the Capitol.
e.g. (ee jee), abbreviation, adverb
An abbreviation for the Latin term exempli gratia, “for example.”
Many of the luxury cars so popular twenty years ago, E.g., Cadillacs and Lincoln Continentals, have been forced to develop smaller models to compete with today’s popular compact vehicles.
et al. (et al), abbreviation, adverb
The abbreviation for the Latin term et alia, meaning “and others.”
Members of Congress, the justices of the Supreme Court, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ET AL. waited for President Clinton to enter and give his first State of the Union address.
ex officio (ECKS uh-FISH-ee-oh), noun This Latin expression denotes someone who holds a title by virtue of his or her office. The president of the United States is the EX OFFICIO commander in chief of the United States’s armed forces.
fait accompli (FATE uh-com-PLEE), noun Something undertaken and already concluded. A fait accompli (from the French for “accomplished fact”) is an act or event presented as beyond challenge or attempted reversal.
Clive simply signed the contract without consulting his superior and presented the agreement as a FAIT ACCOMPLI.
faux pas (foe PAW), noun
A social error. Faux pas is French for “false step.”
I’m afraid that by publicly refusing to shake hands with your opponent you’ve done more than commit a FAUX PAS; you may well have lost the election.
femme fatale (femme fuh-TAL), noun A seductive woman who uses her charms to trick men into compromising or dangerous situations; a woman who uses her feminine wiles for gain.
Although the movie industry makes much of its supposed progressiveness, feminists note with disdain that most leading roles for women still lean heavily on stereotype: the ingenue, the FEMME FATALE, the devoted mother battling for her children against all odds.
fin de siecle (fahn-day-say-ECK-luh), adjective This French expression meaning “end of the century” typically refers to the fashions, art, ideas, etc. associated with the end of the
nineteenth century, but in general use, the expression describes ideas, art, fashions, etc. considered modern and up-to-date.
Martin prides himself on always being aware of FIN DE SIECLE philosophies, especially those that come from Europe.
haute couture (OAT kyoo-CHOOR), noun
High fashion. Haute couture is the most stylish and influential way of designing clothes at a given time. (Haute couture also refers to articles of clothing currently considered of the highest style.)
Unfamiliar with the ways of HAUTE COUTURE, Wendell decided to pass up the fashion show.
haute cuisine (oat kwi-ZEEN), noun Gourmet preparation of food. Haute cuisine can also refer to the preparation of meals as an art form. Glenn knows more than we do about HAUTE CUISINE; let’s let him pick the restaurant tonight.
i.e. (eye ee), abbreviation, adverb An abbreviation for the Latin expression id est, meaning “that is.” Please make sure your child comes to school on the first day with all the necessary supplies, I.E., pencils, erasers, and notebooks.
je ne sais quoi (zheuh-neuh-say-KWAH), noun
From the French for “I don’t know what”; a special, intangible quality.
“This ascot you lent me lends a certain . . . JE NE SAIS QUOI,” said Edgar, turning to catch himself at a better angle in the mirror.
mea culpa (me-uh-KULP-uh), noun
From the Latin meaning “I am to blame,” a mea culpa is acknowledgment, usually public acknowledgment, of a blunder or mistake.
After the politician made racially tinged comments, he spent the better part of a month offering MEA CULPAS on national television.
mise en scene (mee-zahn-SENN), noun From the French meaning “putting on stage,” mise en scene denotes the setting and placing of actors and scenery on a stage or in a film. In general, the term has become synonymous with one’s surroundings and environment.
Most people either love or hate the MISE EN SCENE of Elvis Presley’s Graceland and especially its infamous “ jungle room.”
modus operandi (MO-duss op-uh-RAN-deye), noun
The mode of operation or style of doing something; from the Latin for “method of operating.”
When Jason confessed, the police thought they had their killer, but after careful questioning it became apparent he didn’t know anything about the strange MODUS OPERANDI linking the murders, or about the silver cuff link always dropped at the scene of the crime.
modus vivendi (MO-duss vih-VEN-dee), noun
Lifestyle; a way of living.
While most envied his rich and seemingly carefree existence, Glen often found his extravagant MODUS VIVENDI rather empty and lonely.
mon ami (mone-ah-MEE), noun My friend. Deadlines come and deadlines go, MON AMI, but you and I remain.
ne plus ultra (nay plooce OOL-truh), noun The highest possible embodiment (of something). Ne plus ultra is Latin for “Do not go beyond this point.” Many consider Oedipus Rex the drama’s NE PLUS ULTRA.
n’ est-ce pas (ness PAH), adverb From the French “Is it not so?”; “Correct?” “Well, class,” our French teacher said, “since you all spent the weekend studying, this test should be a breeze, N’EST-CE PAS?”
noblesse oblige (no-BLESS oh-BLEEZH), noun Benevolence befitting a person’s dignity and/or possession of high birth. Noblesse oblige is from the French for “nobility obliges.”
The phrase usually refers to charitable actions or disposition toward those in classes perceived as low.
A sense of NOBLESSE OBLIGE, not desire for headlines, motivates the Beal family’s admirable tradition of giving and volunteerism.
nolo contendere (NO-lo kun-TEND-er-ee), noun
In law, a plea that admits no guilt, but subjects the defendant to penalty.
(Literally, “I am unwilling to contend.”)
Charged with income tax evasion, Vice-President Spiro Agnew pleaded NOLO CONTENDERE, to the perfect satisfaction of the Internal Revenue Service.
nom de guerre (nom duh GARE), noun A name taken or bestowed during wartime. Nom de guerre is French for “wartime name.” Fred’s NOM DE GUERRE in the regiment was Rookie, and he did not like it.
nom de plume (nom duh PLOOM), noun An author’s pseudonym or pen name. The writer Samuel Langhorne Clemens is better known by his NOM DE PLUME, Mark Twain.
non sequitur (non-SEK-wi-tur), noun, adjective Something that does not follow logically. A statement that has no basis in what has gone before is considered a non sequitur. The professor pointed out the many NON SEQUITURS contained in the pamphlet.
nota bene (NOTE-ah BEN-eh), noun
A term used to draw attention to a particular point; Latin for “note well.” (Sometimes rendered as “N.B.”)
Applications will be accepted until the first of the month, provided, NOTA BENE, that they are accompanied by an income tax return filed within the last two years.
Nouveau riche (noo-voh-REESH), noun and adjective Someone recently wealthy. Nouveau riche is often used to describe those whose newfound wealth brings with it a tactless or overbearing attitude.
The escapades of the NOUVEAU RICHE are not the concern of this column.
petit four (PET-ee FORE), noun A small decorated cake. Plural: petits fours. Aunt Marcia always served tea and PETITS FOURS at three o’clock.
prima donna (PREE-muh DON-nuh), noun A self-centered member of a group or organization who feels that his contributions are so important as to merit special treatment.
(Literally, a prima donna is the leading female singer in an opera company.)
There is no place for PRIMA DONNAS in this organization; we must work together as a team.
quid pro quo (kwid pro KWO), noun
A thing given in return for something else; Latin: “something for something.”
Ryan’s acceptance of a $40,000 check in return for a written promise to vote in favor of the highway project, a staggeringly obvious QUID PRO QUO, led to his indictment.
roman à clef (ro-MON ah KLAY), noun
A purportedly fictional work that only thinly veils the actual experiences of the author or of characters based on real personages.
Capote was ostracized by those in his circle when he published a devastating excerpt from a ROMAN À CLEF, Unanswered Prayers, that lampooned the frailties and indiscretions of the people who had been closest to him.
savoir faire (SAV-whah FAIRE), noun Tact or social skill. I’m afraid Helen just doesn’t have the SAVOIR FAIRE necessary to build coalitions in such a fractious organization.
sine qua non (SEE-nay kwa NON), noun An essential feature (of something). Sine qua non is Latin for “without which not.” Many people consider a happy ending to be the SINE QUA NON of a proper comedy.
status quo (STAH-tus KWO), noun The existing state of affairs or condition. Although Bill desperately wanted to get married, Melanie was more interested in preserving the STATUS QUO.
sui generis (SOO-ee-JEN-er-us), adjective From the Latin meaning “of its own kind,” sui generis describes someone or something that is completely unique, something that
seems to have sprung fully formed into existence.
Andrea’s SUI GENERIS writing style seemed far removed from anything I have read before or since.
tai chi chuan (tie jee chwan), noun A martial art of China that emphasizes slow, meditative movements. Each morning, I saw Erica in the park practicing the gentle, fluid movements she’ d learned in our TAI CHI CHUAN class.
terra cotta (tare-uh KOT-uh), noun, adjective A reddish clay modeling compound that hardens when exposed to extreme heat. Terra cotta is used primarily for pottery, the exterior facings of buildings, and sculpture.
The exhibition is notable for several gorgeous TERRA COTTA sculptures of birds dating from the 1890s.
tête-à-tête (TET ah tet), noun A meeting in which two people meet face-to-face. Tete-a-tete is French for “head-to-head.”
You and Millie have done enough talking behind each other’s back; I think the time has come for you to have a TETE-A-TETE and work this problem out once and for all.
trompe l’oeil (tromp LAY), noun An instance of visual trickery, as, for instance, an optical illusion giving the impression of three dimensions in a two-dimensional artistic medium.
The painter specialized in TROMPE L’OEIL murals that often fooled passersby into thinking they were walking toward a storefront.
vox populi (VOKS POP-yoo-lie), noun The voice of the people: public opinion. I reject the idea that any ideologue who phones up a radio talk show represents the VOX POPULI.
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