Multilingual Vocabulary: Identifying the Origin and Meaning of Foreign Phrases Quiz

Faux pas is French for 'false step.' It is used in English to describe an embarrassing social mistake or a break of etiquette.

En route literally means 'in route' or 'on the way.' It is used to indicate that someone or something is currently traveling toward a destination.

This is false. Déjà vu is French for 'already seen.' It describes the feeling that one has previously experienced something that is actually happening for the first time.

Bona fide is a Latin phrase meaning 'in good faith.' It is used in English to describe something that is authentic, real, or genuine.

Déjà vu, en route, and entrepreneur are all French phrases commonly used in English. Vice versa is Latin.

Crescendo is an Italian musical term meaning 'growing.' It refers to a gradual increase in loudness or, metaphorically, an increase in intensity.

Status quo literally means 'the state in which.' It refers to the current condition or existing state of things, often suggesting resistance to change.

This is false. Hasta mañana is Spanish for 'until tomorrow,' meaning the speaker will see the person the next day.

Alter ego is Latin for 'the other self.' It refers to a second personality or a trusted friend who acts as a complete substitute.

Angst is a German word meaning 'fear.' In English, it is used to describe a feeling of deep, philosophical anxiety, worry, or dread.

This is true. Quid pro quo literally translates to 'something for something' and describes an exchange or trade.

Fiasco is an Italian word meaning 'a bottle.' In English, it means a complete, often ridiculous, failure of something planned.

Per se ('by itself' - often used in legal definitions). Persona non grata (unwelcome person - diplomatic status). Pro bono (for the public good - legal work).

C'est la vie is used to accept difficult or unavoidable situations, meaning 'That's life' or 'That's just the way it is.'

Souvenir is French for 'to remember.' In English, it means an item bought or kept as a reminder of a place or experience (a keepsake).

I.e. (id est - that is) is for clarification. E.g. (exempli gratia - for example) is for introducing examples.

Rendezvous is French for 'present yourselves.' It is used in English to mean a meeting place or a date/appointment, often a secret one.

Ad nauseam is a Latin phrase meaning 'to sickness' or 'to the point of nausea.' It is used to describe an action repeated to an excessive, tiresome degree.

This is false. Tête-à-tête is French for 'head-to-head' and refers to a private conversation or a face-to-face meeting between two people.

Et al. (et alii - and others) is used for lists of people (authors). Etc. (et cetera - and other things) is used for lists of objects or items.