The next word on our vocabulary list arrived today.
While watching "Telematin" on France 2 this morning we had the opportunity to learn a new French word.
Working (noun, masculine) - As in a project or work site.
You might hear someone now say something like "... did you see the size of that RER A line working? It's enormous..." Translation - the RER A work site or project is larger than expected.
Please note that none of these vocabulary words are likely to make it past the Académie Française any time soon.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Vocabulary List ~ Three Words
Today's vocabulary list consists of three words. They are borrowed from the English language, and have been refashioned into something uniquely French.
We'll start with the easy word first.
Shampooing (noun, masculine) - Commonly heard as "... a shampooing..." or "... le shampooing..."
This is likely what you think it is. You can walk into any hair dresser and ask for "... a shampooing..." and when they're done, your hair will be more often than not cleaner than when you walked in.
Easy, right?
OK. Let's try a second word.
Relooking (noun, masculine) - You might hear someone ask "I would like a relooking, please."
When you see the context it's easy to sort out what the French mean by this. But standing alone, the word is a bit more difficult to understand.
We first encountered this word in an outdoor advertisement. It was related to home remodeling. But there are other uses for this word, such as applied to one's appearance.
In short, this means a makeover and it can be applied to many different situations.
Just today we encountered a whole new French borrowed from English word. It took me more than a moment to make out what they mean, even understanding the context.
Withing (noun, masculine) - The context was weight loss and a program that was on offer. We're not sure how this is used outside of marketing or if it's yet entered mainstream conversational French.
Here's the situation. A marketer has something to sell you. But before you agree to buy, the marketer sweetens the deal with a few withings.
Clear? We think not.
As best we can make out a withing is an accessory or additional incentives offered alongside the primary thing someone is trying to sell you.
In the weight loss scenario, the withings might include a blender for making smoothies or a vegitable slicer to make preparing your weight loss meal easier. That kind of thing.
Strange, isn't it?
OK. Bonus Round Word!!!
Lifting (nous, masculine) - As in "I'm going in for a lifting. See you in a couple months after the bandages come off."
Yes. You've got it. A lifting is a face lift.
Now that you're fully up to date on the latest French words, go out and have some fun with them.
We'll start with the easy word first.
Shampooing (noun, masculine) - Commonly heard as "... a shampooing..." or "... le shampooing..."
This is likely what you think it is. You can walk into any hair dresser and ask for "... a shampooing..." and when they're done, your hair will be more often than not cleaner than when you walked in.
Easy, right?
OK. Let's try a second word.
Relooking (noun, masculine) - You might hear someone ask "I would like a relooking, please."
When you see the context it's easy to sort out what the French mean by this. But standing alone, the word is a bit more difficult to understand.
We first encountered this word in an outdoor advertisement. It was related to home remodeling. But there are other uses for this word, such as applied to one's appearance.
In short, this means a makeover and it can be applied to many different situations.
Just today we encountered a whole new French borrowed from English word. It took me more than a moment to make out what they mean, even understanding the context.
Withing (noun, masculine) - The context was weight loss and a program that was on offer. We're not sure how this is used outside of marketing or if it's yet entered mainstream conversational French.
Here's the situation. A marketer has something to sell you. But before you agree to buy, the marketer sweetens the deal with a few withings.
Clear? We think not.
As best we can make out a withing is an accessory or additional incentives offered alongside the primary thing someone is trying to sell you.
In the weight loss scenario, the withings might include a blender for making smoothies or a vegitable slicer to make preparing your weight loss meal easier. That kind of thing.
Strange, isn't it?
OK. Bonus Round Word!!!
Lifting (nous, masculine) - As in "I'm going in for a lifting. See you in a couple months after the bandages come off."
Yes. You've got it. A lifting is a face lift.
Now that you're fully up to date on the latest French words, go out and have some fun with them.
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