Oh la la!

Did you know the meaning of these common expressions in French?

Published on December 3, 2025

Image: Michael McKay

At this point, it is not a secret that a part of the English vocabulary is actually French wearing a trenchcoat. Many of the words and phrases that we use on a daily basis are very similar in use and meaning to their French counterparts; take, for example, words like energy, silhouette, poetic, or machine. However, not all words and phrases of French origin have maintained their meaning or spelling. Let’s have a look at some of them!

In lieu of

Image: Joshua Hoehne

Let’s start with an example where only the form of the phrase has changed: English speakers use ‘in lieu of’ to talk about something done or said in the place of something else. This phrase is partially translated from the original French, au lieu de, which is used in the same way and with the same meaning.

Souvenir

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If we visit somewhere new, chances are we will bring back a souvenir to remind us of our trip. And that is exactly the meaning of souvenir in French, ‘to remember’, although the word can also be used for a "memento" or "keepsake."

Double entendre

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This phrase could be translated as ‘with a double hearing,’ giving the idea of a thing that can be interpreted in two (usually very different) ways. Modern French uses ‘_à double sens_’ to convey this meaning, instead of the verb entendre (‘to hear’).

À la mode

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English shares with French the use of this phrase to mean ‘fashionable’. However, it is also used as a culinary term, but with two very different meanings: in English, desserts à la mode are accompanied by ice cream, while in French, the same term might indicate that it was cooked with carrots and onions.

Chef

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For English speakers, this word unequivocally means a professional cook. For French speakers, however, a chef would be a cuisinier, and chef would be used to mean ‘chief’, ‘boss’, or ‘head of.’

Premiere

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The word "premiere" is associated in English with the first performance or screening of a play or film. In French, première simply means ‘first,’ though la première can be used for a first performance.

Encore

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Encore means again, so it makes sense that people use this word to request a repeat performance. However, French speakers prefer saying une autre or bis for the same situation.

Potpourri

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Used to refer to a mix or medley of things, this word comes from the French pot-pourri, meaning ‘rotten pot,’ as it was originally used for a pot where flowers were dried for their scent.

Negligee

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In English, this word is used for a fancy and delicate nightgown, robe, or dressing gown. In French, négligée would be used for a woman who neglects her appearance, and the clothing item would be called négligé (the masculine form of the word) or nuisette.

Seance

Image: David Tomaseti

Meaning ‘seating,’ this word is used by English speakers for an attempt to communicate with the dead, usually with the help of a medium. French speakers use this word to refer to a meeting or a season of any kind.

What science says

It was false after all: 10 health myths that sound true—but aren't

Published on December 3, 2025

Image: Alicja Gancarz

Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Does cold weather make you sick? Can lemon detox your body? Is reading in low light really harmful? Let's uncover the truth behind 10 common health myths!

Cutting your hair makes it grow faster

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Have you ever been told that cutting your hair will make it grow faster? We're sorry to say that's just a myth. Hair grows from the root, not the ends. So, trimming it won't boost growth, though it does help remove split ends that can make your hair look dry or unhealthy.

Cold weather causes colds

Image: Thom Holmes

This is one of the most common health myths. Cold weather often gets blamed, but it's not the temperature that makes you catch a cold. During winter, we tend to stay indoors with others and keep the windows closed, an environment that makes it easier for viruses to spread. That's why colds tend to be more common in winter!

Eating before bed makes you gain weight

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The idea that eating before bed automatically leads to weight gain is a myth. In reality, it has more to do with what you eat and how much, rather than the time of day. Often, when we eat very late at night, we're tired and more likely to reach for quick, high-calorie, heavy foods. This can disrupt sleep and lead to consuming more calories than we burn, both of which may affect weight. If it's close to bedtime, it's better to have something light and healthy in a moderate portion than to skip a meal altogether.

Wearing glasses weakens your vision

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Does wearing glasses weaken your vision? Myth! If an eye doctor prescribes glasses, wearing them as directed helps correct your vision; it won't make it worse. Additionally, the right glasses can help prevent or reduce headaches caused by reading or spending long hours in front of a screen.

Reading in low light causes permanent eye damage

Image: Amir Balam

This myth is closely related to the previous one. If you love reading and sometimes have to do it in low light because of the situation, don't worry. According to experts, reading in low light doesn't cause permanent or irreversible eye damage. However, it's not recommended because it can make your eyes feel tired or strained, leading to discomfort or headaches.

You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day

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We're all different, and so are our bodies. The idea that everyone should drink exactly eight glasses of water a day is more of a general guideline than a rule. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, but how much water you need depends on factors like your weight, age, climate, and overall health. We should prioritize staying consistently hydrated instead of obsessing over the number of glasses we drink.

Lemon water detox and cleanse your body

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Some people say drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. While adding a slice of lemon to your water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, it doesn't have any special "detoxifying" powers. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is beneficial, but the body has its own natural detox system. The liver and kidneys are the main organs that filter waste and eliminate toxins.

All fat is bad

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Not all fats are bad! Just like other food groups, your body needs fats to function properly. The important thing is knowing the difference between healthy fats and those that can be harmful. Foods like avocados, seeds, olive oil, fish, and nuts are rich in healthy fats. On the other hand, the fats found in processed or fried foods are the ones that can have a negative impact on your body.

Liver disease is always caused by alcohol or fats

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Liver diseases can be serious. While heavy and frequent consumption of alcohol and fats is a major contributor, it's not the only cause. Liver problems can also result from many other factors. These include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Breakfast is the most important meal

Image: Brooke Lark

There's some truth to it: breakfast is important because it replenishes our glucose and energy levels and supports proper metabolism. However, the idea that it's the most important meal of the day might be an exaggeration. Everyone's body has different needs, and all meals are important, so we shouldn't skip any of them!