The French influence on English vocabulary
2/25/2025
Did you know that nearly 30% of English words come from French? This linguistic connection dates back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when William the Conqueror and his forces brought new rulers and a lasting imprint on the English language. For centuries, French was the language of the nobility, government, and law, while English remained the language of the common people. Over time, these two languages blended, shaping the vocabulary we use today.
Here’s how French left its mark on the English language in different domains:
1. Everyday words you didn't know were French
Many common English words have French origins, often without us realizing it. Some everyday examples include:
Table (from table)
City (from cité)
Justice (from justice)
Travel (from travailler, originally meaning to toil or work hard)
Even pronouns and auxiliary verbs, like they (ils/elles), very (vrai), and people (peuple), have French connections!
2. Fancy food terms: a French legacy
If you've ever looked at a restaurant menu and noticed how sophisticated it sounds, thank French! The world of gastronomy and fine dining is filled with French terminology, including:
Soup, salad, dessert (all borrowed directly from French)
Baguette, croissant, soufflé (French specialities that kept their original names)
Sauté, gratin, purée (French cooking techniques still used in English)
Even the word restaurant comes from the French verb restaurer, meaning to restore.
3. Government and law: the Norman imprint
French played a crucial role in shaping legal and governmental vocabulary in England. This influence remains today in words like:
Court (cour)
Parliament (parlement)
Judge (juge)
Jury (juré)
Crime (crime)
For centuries, laws were written in French, and even today, legal terminology retains this French influence.
4. A touch of elegance: French words in art and culture
Thanks to their French origins, some words bring sophistication and refinement to English. Think of:
Ballet (a French word for the classical dance form)
Café (the go-to word for a coffeehouse)
Fiancé (a directly borrowed term for an engaged person)
Déjà vu, faux pas, savoir-faire (French phrases used in English without translation)
Even in fashion, couture, chic, boutique, and lingerie remain undeniably French!
Why does it matter?
Understanding the French influence on English helps us appreciate the deep historical ties between the two languages. It also explains why English spelling and pronunciation can be inconsistent—because it blends Germanic roots with a heavy dose of French structure and vocabulary.
So, next time you speak English, remember—you’re also speaking a little bit of French! 🇫🇷🇬🇧
