One of the lovelier things about different cultures is that certain phrases or words filter into our own language. Why does this happen? Well, oftentimes they accurately or astutely describe a mood, feeling or situation for which we have no phrase. Or perhaps the speakers feels that using the phrase will lend them a certain sophistication. Here are some of my favorites:
Riposte d'escalier (French) This one is fantastic. Imagine confronting your arch nememis with whom you exchange words. She or he says something so rude that you are shocked, SHOCKED! into speechlessness. You hurriedly leave the room and right then and there as you hit the stairs (escalier) the perfect response (riposte) comes to you. It's a response formed some moments after situation occurs. It happens to us all, even our arch-nemesis.
Soufflé (French) A soufflé is a well know French dessert (either savory or sweet) that is made with egg whites, which allows the dough to rise several inches while baking. It's interior is light and airy and it's exterior bakes to a beautiful crusty brown. "Souffler" is a verb meaning "to breathe" and by extension, "soufflé" means "a breath". Thus the height of by a soufflé is winkingly achieved by a breath of air inside.
Faux pas (Noun) This phrase is typically used when someone says or does something embarrassing. It's a social mistake, (although by no means always a a grave one) perhaps along the lines of calling your brother's second wife by the ex-wife's name. "Faux pas" literally means "misstep".
The below webpage explains a host more phrases, many of which you have probably encountered. ttp://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/french-phrases.html
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