The words in this chapter might seem both foreign and familiar. It’s because English has borrowed these words from other languages, either partially or “lock, stock, and barrel” (to borrow from Chapter 5’s exceptional expressions).

Ad hoc

The purpose of an ad hoc committee is to focus on a specific situation and discuss ways to resolve the problem involved. Ad and hoc are Latin words meaning “to” and “this.” Thus, an ad hoc committee on interstate highway speed limits would study the pros and cons of lowering or raising existing speed limits.

The curia was the name of the Roman Senate house. It could accommodate 600 senators. Since there were no platforms, senators merely stood up to speak.

Adios/Vaya con Dios

Both expressions, heard frequently now in the United States, are Spanish phrases meaning goodbye. Their literal translation, however, means much more. “Adios” is actually a combination of the two Spanish words a and dios meaning “to God.” Vaya con Dios translates “may you go with God.”

Al fresco

The Italian al fresco means “in the cool.” For centuries, especially before air conditioning, Italians enjoyed eating their meals in the cool outdoor air. The practice continues today, as many restaurants throughout Italy offer their patrons the option of a table outdoors. Although “al fresco” originally referred to eating outdoors, today it refers to any event that takes place outdoors.

Apropos

The French term à propos literally translates as “to the purpose.” In English it is spelled as one word and means “at the right time” or “relevant.”

Bon voyage

Shouts of “bon voyage” can be heard as passengers leave on a trip. Literally translated from French to English as “good voyage,” it expresses the wish for a pleasant journey.

Bouquet

“Bouquet” is derived from the Old French bosquet, meaning “thicket.” In English a bouquet describes a bundle of flowers or a fragrant smell.

Bravo

“Bravo” is frequently used to express admiration for a job well done. The word traces its origin to an unlikely ancestor—the Latin adjective barbarus, referring to an uncivilized, crude foreigner.

Chutzpah

“Chutzpah” is a colloquial Yiddish term meaning “insolence” and “boldness.” Although “chutzpah” was originally used to refer to something done with incredible disrespect, the term has begun to lose its negative meaning. Now it is most often used to refer to the guts it takes to do something.

Yiddish is a language based on medieval Rhineland German, which was spoken by the Jews in eastern, northern, and central Europe. Yiddish has Hebrew, Russian, and Polish elements and uses Hebrew characters. Yiddish is still spoken and read today, though by smaller numbers of people.

Dolce vita

Composers and writers often write about la dolce vita. This Italian phrase, which translates into “the sweet life,” means just that— a life that is without cares or concerns. When used sarcastically, it implies an immoral way of living and one that is devoted to pleasure.

Gung ho

This is actually an English adaptation of the Chinese phrase gong he, meaning “work together.” Used often in informal or everyday speech, the expression refers to people who are enthusiastic, creative, and eager to involve themselves completely in some project.

During World War II, U.S. Marine officer Evans Carlson was commander of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in the Pacific. When speaking of the forces he commanded, he referred to them as the Gung Ho Battalion, meaning that they were enthusiastic and all worked together.

Kowtow

In English, “kowtow” is often used sarcastically when speaking of the behavior of a person who acts as a slave to another person. Kowtow, or ketou, is actually Chinese for “knock the head.” For centuries, Chinese individuals would kneel before their superiors and knock their head to the floor as a sign of respect. This custom applied to everyone. Even foreign ambassadors had to kowtow to the emperor.

Laissez faire

This theory maintains that government should not interfere in economic affairs, but should leave the economy to naturally reach its peak. It is also referred to as “hands-off” economics, and literally translates to “to let [people] do as they please.”

Latin Expressions

Latin is the root language for many languages. Here are some Latin words or phrases that have entered into English verbatim (or with no change in spelling):

EXPRESSION: MEANING

Ad infinitum: to an infinite degree

Alter ego: another self

Anno domini (a.d.): in the year of the Lord

Ante meridiem (a.m.): before the middle of the day

Carpe diem: sieze the day

Exempli gratia (e.g.): for the sake of example

Id est (i.e.): that is

In loco parentis: in place of a parent

In situ: in the proper situation

Magnum opus: the chief work of an author or musician

Modus operandi: the mode of working

Modus vivendi: the manner of living

Post meridiem (p.m.): after the middle of the day

Pro bono: for the good

Quid pro quo: an equal exchange or substitution

Requiescat in pace (RIP): may he/she rest in peace

Semper paratus: always prepared

Tempus fugi: time flies

Terra firma: dry land

Videlicet (viz.): namely

Vox populi: the voice of the people

Mazel tov

The biblical term mazel means “planet,” “star,” or “sign of the zodiac.” Gradually, mazel came to mean “a sign of luck.” Tov is the Hebrew word for “good.” In time, the expression “mazel tov” developed. Today, it is frequently heard at weddings and on other joyous occasions to wish someone good luck.

Melee

Its English meaning is “a noisy, confused fight among a number of people.” In French mêlée literally means “a mixing.”

Plaza

Commonly used throughout the United States to describe a public square, marketplace, business center, or mall, “plaza” is actually from Spanish, where it has the same meaning.

The public square in Greek city-states was known as the agora. It was an open space within the city that was the center of civic life.

Presto

When the Italians want something done as quickly as possible, they often use the word presto. English readily adopted this word, which traces its roots to the Latin verb praestare, meaning “to guarantee” or “to be responsible for something.”

Protege

In English, the word means “a person guided or helped in his or her career by a more influential person.” The French protégé translates to “protected.”

RSVP

Ever notice the four initials RSVP at the bottom of an invitation? Each is the initial letter of a word in the French phrase repondez, s’il vous plait, which translates to “answer, if you please.” So, the next time you receive a request for your presence at a party, follow proper etiquette (another French word for “proper manners”) and respond, please.

According to etiquette expert Amy Vanderbilt, one should immediately respond to an invitation with a handwritten note on conservative stationery.

Salud

This Spanish exclamation translates literally “Health!” It is frequently said at celebrations and on festive occasions when guests raise their glasses and drink to the good luck, health, and happiness of others. “Salud” traces its roots to the ancient Latin noun salus, also meaning “health.”

Sang-froid

One who has sang-froid exhibits cool self-possession or composure (or is cold blooded), especially in trying circumstances. Sang is French for “blood,” and froid is French for “cold.”

Savoir-faire

This French expression is commonly used in English to express a person’s tactfulness, especially his or her readiness to say the right words or do the right things. The phrase, which translates literally as “to know [how] to do,” traces its roots to two Latin verbs, sapere (“to know”) and facere (“to do” or “to make”).

Sayonara

“Sayonara” is actually a compound of two Japanese words, sayo, meaning “that way,” and nara, meaning “if.” Literally translated the expression means “if it is to be that way.” For the Japanese, sayonara means not only “be well,” but also “until we meet again.” English adopted the word to mean “goodbye.”

Shalom

A term used worldwide by Jews and others to mean both “hello” and “goodbye,” shalom literally means “peace.” Its use also implies a wish for good health, success, and happiness.

Shalom aleichem, or “peace be with you,” is one of the warmest and sincerest greetings a Jewish person can offer.

Siesta

Daytime in ancient Rome was divided into 12 hours, beginning at 6 a.m. Accordingly, noon was known as the sexta hora, or “sixth hour.” In Spain, where noon is the hottest part of the day, it became a common practice for people to take a rest, sometimes even a nap, at this time. Gradually, the term “siesta” came to describe the resting period just after noon.

Tête-à-tête

These French words literally translate to “head-to-head.” In English, a tête-à-tête is a private or intimate conversation between two people.

Viva, viva

Cries of “Viva, viva!” might echo through the streets of Italy, Portugal, and Spain as a motorcade accompanies a reigning king or newly elected president. The same cry often greets a champion athlete after a match or the conductor of an orchestra after a brilliant performance. In English, viva translates as “long live”— quite appropriate since its root is the Latin verb vivere, meaning “to live.”