entre nous
ahn-truh NEW´ (French, ‘between ourselves’) The term entre nous means ‘just between the two of us.’ It is used when a speaker wishes to keep a matter private. • Let’s […]
Word Archive
bonhomie
bahn-ah-MEE´ (from the French bonhomme, ‘good fellow’) Bonhomie is geniality or easy friendliness. Chatting with strangers in an elevator is an example of bonhomie.
repartee
rep-er-TEE´ Repartee is quick and witty conversation between two or more people. Like badinage, repartee is a form of verbal sparring, but it lacks the teasing (and semi-insulting nature) of badinage.
savoir faire
sav-wah FAIR´ (French, ‘know-how’) Savoir faire is the ability to act correctly and confidently in any social situation. Those who possess savoir faire have worldly experience and a polished confidence […]
nouveau riche
new´-voh REESH´ A nouveau riche is a person who is newly rich and who flaunts his or her money in conspicuous and tasteless ways. Plural: nouveaux riches
glitterati
gli´-der-AH´-dee The group known as the glitterati consists of fashionable people involved in activities perceived as glamorous, such as show business, fashion, and art. There’s no requirement to be rich, […]
beautiful people
The term the beautiful people refers to the group of wealthy, famous people whose expensive and glamorous lifestyles are well publicized. There’s no requirement to be physically beautiful. Nor is […]
arriviste
ah-ree-VEEST´ An arriviste is a person who is just beginning to arrive on a social or artistic scene, and who may be viewed as either lacking credentials or as being […]
haute bourgeoisie
oat´ burr-zhwah-ZEE´ The haute bourgeoisie is the upper-middle class, especially in France
noblesse oblige
no-BLESS´ oh-BLEEZH´ French for ‘nobility obligates,’ the concept that high birth or rank obligates one to behave generously and honorably.