Foreign words that are found in mainstream English, media, movies, literature, etc.

1. Foreign Words #11-20
MRS. EMETERIO’s CLASS
ENGLISH 12 ACADEMIC
Test on Friday, September 15, 2015!

2. A’ la mode (Fr)
 With ice cream
 French meaning –
à la mode (“in the style”).
 Usually vanilla ice cream
We ordered pie a la
mode which was on
the à la carte dessert
menu. Our bill was
NOT cheap because
we all ordered
desserts.

3. Al dente (Ital)
 Cooked but still firm
 Italian meaning – “to the tooth”
I ordered pasta
at Olive Garden,
and I reminded
the server to
make sure my
spaghetti was al
dente. I HATE
mushy pasta.

4. Al fresco (Ital)
 In the open air
 You may see this word as “alfresco”
My husband and I
do not like to dine al
fresco. We really
don’t like to deal
with bugs and flies
when we are trying
to eat.

5. Angst (Ger)
 Feeling of dread, fear, extreme anxiety
Many teenagers experience angst before
their driver’s exam.

6. Ante-Bellum (Lat)
 Pre-civil war architecture
My mom enjoyed her tour of
the ante-bellum homes in
Virginia. It is amazing how
some homes survived the
destruction of the Civil War.

7. Apparatchick (Rus) [App-a-ratch-ik]
 Russian meaning - a very loyal member
of the Communist party who always
obeys orders.
 American meaning - low level, white
collar worker in large corporation
As member of the
corporate apparatchick,
Steve hoped his hard
work would be noticed
by the CEO.

8. Apropos (Fr) [app-pra-poe]
 At the right time, relevant to the point
 French spelling - à propos
The judge decided the
video tape would be
allowed in the trial
because it was apropos to
the case.
Because my bills
were due, the
financial gift from
my father arrived
apropos.

9. Au contraire (Fr) [o con-trair]
 To the contrary
 Sub for: “I beg to differ.”
A phrase used when someone is incorrect, or
says something that is the opposite of the
truth.
Many think a college diploma
guarantees a job. Au
contraire my friends, unless
you graduate at the top of
your class, the competition is
fierce.

10. Au courant (Fr) [o core-awn]
 Stylish, or knowing latest info
Jessica tries to
stay au courant
with the latest
developments
in the fashion
industry.

11. Au naturel (Fr) [o nat-chur-al]
 Cooked, served plainly
 In a natural state
 Nude
The salad was
served au naturel.
Dressing was on the
side.
The streaker ran across
the field, shall we say,
‘au naturel’!