5 French Words Used In Canadian English: Social Vocabulary
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Canadian English is influenced by all sorts of languages from around the world, but French is probably one of the most obvious ones. Whether it impacts the way Canadians pronounce sounds, spell words, or use expressions in English, French loan words are nearly everywhere.
For example, take a look at these five French phrases that you can hear Canadians use in English when referencing different social settings:
RSVP – (awr-ess-vee-pee)
In Canadian English, this word typically means:
(verb) to inform the host of a social event about whether you plan on attending their event
(countable noun) confirmation of someone’s plan to attend an event or not
Arguably one of the most common French loan words in Canadian English is RSVP, which stands for “Répondez s’il vous plaît.” Translated to English, this means “please respond,” which makes sense given how this initialism is typically used: on invitations to events, such as weddings, graduations, ceremonies, parties, and so on. When Canadians plan any sort of gathering where multiple guests are invited, the phrase, “Please RSVP by + SPECIFIC DATE,” is commonly used. This expression communicates to guests that they are expected to inform the host about whether or not they will attend the event. This information is vital in knowing how many people one needs to provide for in terms of food, beverages, party favours, etc. Not RSVP-ing is generally considered rude in Canadian culture, and definitely a faux pas.
“Wedding Invitation.” Photo by Noelle Rebekah on Unsplash.
FAUX PAS – (foh-paw)
Similar to French, in Canadian English this word typically means:
(countable noun) a serious mistake in behaviour, according to a particular culture or society
Not RSVP-ing, and therefore being rude, is, indeed, considered a faux pas in Canada. However, it is not the only faux pas that exists in Canadian culture. To help you avoid them, here are but a few others:
not removing your shoes when entering a person’s home
dominating conversation by only talking about yourself and not asking about the other person with whom you are speaking
regularly interrupting people in conversation
not apologizing when necessary
being loud in public
swerving between lanes in traffic while on a motorcycle or electric scooter
not paying attention to your surroundings and, therefore, not allowing others to pass by you on the sidewalk, in store aisles, hallways, etc.
SOIRÉE – (swaw-ray)
Soirées generally require an RSVP. So, make sure that you don’t commit a faux pas by forgetting to send yours to the host.
In Canadian English, “soirée” typically means:
a party in the evening
While this word is more of a standard word in French, in Canadian English it holds a connotation of sophistication. If it is a fancy party, a high-class party, or a formal party like a private evening corporate event, then it is not unheard of to use the word, “soirée,” to describe it.
“Guests toasting at a dinner soirée.” Photo by Filip Rankovic Grobgaard on Unsplash.
RENDEZVOUS – (ron-day-voo)
In Canadian English, this word typically means:
(countable noun) a particular time when and place where two people plan to meet up, often in secret
(countable noun) a place where people regularly go to meet up
This word typically has connotations of humour, elegance, and old-fashioned formality. As such, it is most commonly used when someone is being silly, secretive, snobbish, formal, or representative of a particular historical time period. Think language similar to that which is used in Julia Quinn and Netflix’s Bridgerton series. It is certainly still used nowadays, but it has its specific place.
Now if we compare this word to the original French one, rendez-vous, the meaning changes: 1.) appointment; 2.) meeting; 3.) meeting place; or sometimes even 4.) date (in the social sense). Here not only is there a difference in denotation but there is also a difference in connotation: either professional or social (in the regular, standard way).
“Couple Playing Footsy.” Photo by Chidy Youngon Unsplash.
TÊTE-À-TÊTE – (tet-uh-tet)
In Canadian English, this word typically means:
(countable noun) a one-on-one conversation, often in private
This French loan word manages to more or less keep its original meaning in Canadian English. However, there is a slight difference in connotation once again. In Canada, “tête-à-tête” is considered an elevated expression, meaning it is an advanced word that most Canadian Anglophones do not know unless they are avid readers or writers, or have a high level of education. That being said, this word, while it is sometimes used in informal contexts, is more common in formal ones, such as literature (whether fiction or non-fiction), academic conversations, political speeches, and so on.
Is RSVP-ing a cultural necessity where you are from? What kind of faux pas can you think of that could take place at a soirée? What was your last rendezvous or tête-à-tête like? Where did you go and what did you do? Practice using this vocabulary by sharing your answers with me in the comments below.
