French for Le Snob: Adding Panache to Your Everyday Conversations

Designed to enable quick-witted English speakers to use the many French loanwords of the English vocabulary with an impeccable French pronunciation, this book details and defines approximately 2,500 French terms that have become a part of the English lexicon. Written for sophisticated English speakers who enjoy being in the limelight as they tittle-tattle about "la femme fatale," "la belle brunette," "l'enfant terrible," and "la creme de la creme," while drinking a "cafe noir" in their "pied-a-terre," this reference also covers the origins of the English language, the development of American English, and how French words invaded English speech. Its many definitions will allow creative individuals to spice up their conversations with colorful French expressions and interesting anecdotes when talking about food, wine, theater, painting, literature, and ballet. Also included, which will be of particular interest to teachers of English and French, are the many ready-made French lessons that can be used to teach specific topics such as arts terms or French idioms.

Yvette Reche was born and raised in France and began her career teaching elementary school. After moving to Canada, Reche received her postgraduate degree in French/English translation from the University of British Columbia and taught French at the high school and college level for twelve years. She lives in Tempe, Arizona.

"Buy it for history of how French words invaded the English language . . . Buy it for the snob in your life." --"Chicago Sun-Times"