Et voilá!

No need to pardon our French! We use these expressions every day

Image: Etienne Girardet

Did you know you’re probably speaking French without even realizing it? That’s right! From wine to wardrobes, French and its elegance have slipped into our everyday conversations, with words and expressions that make us feel très sophisticated. If you’ve ever met a sommelier, or if you’ve bought a prêt-à-porter item for that special summer holiday, these French words have had your back without you even noticing. Let’s explore these borrowed terms, uncover their origins, and see how they’ve seamlessly blended into our English chatter. Grab your beret, it’s time to feel fancy!

Image: Anton Mislawsky

Ever wondered who that poised, polished person recommending wine at a fancy restaurant is? That’s your sommelier: A wine expert whose job is to make you look like a connoisseur without lifting a finger.

The word comes from Old French, originally referring to someone who managed wine supplies. These days, it’s all about pairing your steak with the perfect cabernet. Who doesn’t love a nice pairing? Cheers to that, or to put it better, santé!

Image: Aneta Pawlik

What’s purple, pear-shaped, and sounds way fancier in French? The aubergine, of course! While Americans call it eggplant, the French (and British too) stick with "aubergine," a word derived from Arabic and filtered through French.

It’s a favorite in dishes like ratatouille, making it a star of French cuisine. Even if you’re not a fan of its slightly spongy texture, you have to admit the name gives it an air of culinary sophistication. Saying "aubergine" instead of "eggplant" just makes you feel fancier, don’t you think?

Image: Camille Brodard

We don’t know about you, but this one puts a smile on us just when reading it. A "boutique" isn’t just any old shop; it’s a small, stylish space brimming with unique finds.

The word literally means "shop" in French, but here, it’s used to describe those cozy little stores that make you want to browse for hours.

On a similar note, its use in tourism has grown popular, since "boutique hotels" are small but exclusive accommodations. You see? It only takes a French word to make it luxurious!

Image: Austin Tate

You probably use this one more than you think. Why, you may ask? Because it’s not the same to say something is small as to say something is "petite."

Used in all kinds of contexts, like a dainty piece of jewelry, a tiny home, or even someone who is of a smaller height, it sprinkles the object with elegance.

Fun fact: In French, "petite" is the feminine form, while "petit" is masculine. Either way, it’s proof that good things often come in small (and chic) packages.

Image: Joshua Rodriguez

Hiring an au pair isn’t just about childcare; it’s about cultural exchange, and it’s quite a common practice in our country.

This French term means "on equal terms," highlighting the idea that au pairs become part of the family while they’re learning the language and helping out at the house.

It originated in Europe, but the tradition has spread worldwide. If you’ve ever met an au pair, you know they’re like a babysitter, language tutor, and cultural ambassador all rolled into one. Très international!

Image: Laura Gariglio

Chauffeur is a word that screams luxury, doesn’t it? Well, it’s more luxurious than saying "taxi driver." This French term originally meant "stoker," referring to the person who kept early steam-powered cars running.

Nowadays, it’s all about a nice ride and comfort, and even if it is more commonly used to talk about a private chauffeur, it can also describe public transport drivers. So, we can say we all have one, right?

Image: Florian Siedl

Whether you’re stuck on a crossword puzzle or facing a tricky decision, you might need an impasse. That is, take a break, breathe in, and face the fact that there’s no clear solution at that point.

This word is French for "dead end," which feels fitting when you’re going in circles, right? Thankfully, most impasses are temporary; give it time, and you’ll find a way forward. And hey, using a fancy word to describe your predicament might just make it feel a little less frustrating.

Image: Clark Street Mercantile

Prêt-à-porter is fashion talk for clothes you can buy off the rack. Literally meaning "ready to wear," it’s the opposite of haute couture (also French), where outfits are custom-made.

This term gained popularity in the mid-20th century as fashion houses began offering stylish yet accessible options for the masses.

All the clothes we buy today are prêt-à-porter; who needs a tailor when the French have already thought of everything?

Image: Helcim Payments

If you’ve ever been to a hotel, you’ve met a concierge. Need dinner reservations, theater tickets, or directions to the best local café? They’ve got you covered.

The word itself comes from Old French, meaning "keeper of keys," which makes sense given their knack for unlocking great experiences. Don’t forget to tip them, and your stay will go smoothly!

Image: Nathanaël Desmeules

Ever get into a playful debate and have to admit your opponent made a zinger of a point? That’s when you drop a well-timed "touché."

Borrowed from fencing, where it means "touched," this French term signals that someone has landed a verbal hit. Kind of like saying "Mic-drop," you know? When you say it, you’re allowed to feel a little smug afterward; it’s all part of the fun.

Image: Nick Fewings

In French, chapeau means "hat," but it’s also a way of saying "well done" or "kudos." And if you’re wondering what these two concepts have to do with each other, think of the tip-of-the-cap gesture we do when we want to acknowledge someone’s effort or brilliance.

Like many other expressions, using the foreign version gives it an extra something, especially if it is a compliment! Plus, it’s fun to say. Try it out, and you’ll feel like you’re straight out of a Parisian café.

Hospital secrets

What is a "Code Gray" and what you should know if you hear it at the E.R.

A trip to the emergency room can be stressful enough without hearing doctors and nurses speak a language that sounds like a secret code. One minute, someone is asking for medication "STAT," the next there’s a "Code Gray," and another patient is suddenly "NPO." What do those words really mean? Some are official medical terms, others are insider slang, but they all help hospital staff communicate quickly when every second counts. Here are 10 of those codes explained.

The E.R. can be hectic and unpredictable. Most patients are frightened or uncomfortable, but now and then someone becomes aggressive because of pain, confusion, mental illness, or the effects of alcohol or other substances. That’s when you can hear "Code Gray" announced over the speakers.

The code is used to summon security officers to help manage a violent or combative situation. While color codes vary from one hospital to another, Code Gray commonly signals that staff needs extra assistance to protect patients, visitors, and healthcare workers. Even if you know it now, most people in the waiting room never know what happened, and that’s exactly the point.

You have a scheduled surgery, you’re in your bed waiting to be taken to the surgery room, and you ask for a cup of coffee to make the wait lighter. The nurse will probably tell you you’re an NPO. You may think it’s serious, but it’s simply a procedure.

"NPO" is an abbreviation that comes from the Latin phrase Nil Per Os, which means "nothing by mouth." It tells patients they cannot eat, drink, or sometimes even take medication until doctors say it’s safe. The rule is most common before surgery or certain medical tests, when food or liquids could increase the risk of complications or alter the results. It may be frustrating, but it’s an important part of keeping patients safe.

You’ve probably been through the experience of visiting an emergency room, either to get checked or to visit a loved one. In that part of the hospital where everyone is rushing to save lives, you’ve probably heard a doctor asking for the R.C.P. cart or medication "STAT!" It sounds urgent, and that's because it is.

The expression comes from the Latin statim, which means "immediately" or "without delay." Hospitals have used Latin medical terms for centuries, but STAT is one of the few that remains part of everyday conversation. When a doctor says it, the request jumps to the top of the priority list. It doesn’t always refer to a life-or-death situation, but it does mean the medical team needs something done as quickly as possible.

Newborns are always a reason to celebrate at the hospital. Parents usually rest happily next to their child as they receive congratulations from close relatives. However, the hospital is always prepared to handle extremely rare emergencies under "code pink."

If you hear a "Code Pink," it usually means a baby or young child is suspected of being abducted from the hospital. Within seconds, security officers respond, exits may be monitored or blocked, and staff begins following carefully rehearsed procedures. Although different hospitals sometimes use different color codes, Code Pink has become widely recognized across North America as one of the most serious alerts a hospital can issue.

If you’ve ever spent a few days in the hospital, you’ve probably noticed that some patients are walking up and down the halls, while others need help just getting out of bed. When a nurse refers to someone as a "walkie-talkie," it’s actually good news.

This informal expression refers to patients who can walk on their own, use the bathroom without assistance, and handle most basic tasks independently. It’s not an official medical term, of course, but it’s commonly used among healthcare workers because it quickly tells the next shift that the patient requires less hands-on care than many others.

As nurses change shifts, you’ll often hear them give a quick report about each patient. One person may only need medication, while another is described as a "total."

The term is short for a patient who requires total care. They may need help eating, bathing, getting dressed, turning in bed, or moving from one place to another. Although the expression sounds impersonal, it’s simply a practical way for caregivers to communicate how much assistance someone needs.

Most people hear "frequent flyer" and think of an airline reward program. And that’s correct, but in an emergency room, the phrase has a very different meaning.

A frequent flyer is an informal nickname for patients who repeatedly return to the hospital, often due to chronic illness, recurring medical conditions, or other ongoing health issues. Behind the light-hearted nickname is often a difficult reality. Many of these patients are simply dealing with medical problems that require regular emergency care, and the expression is just a way to make the experience a bit lighter among the familiar faces of doctors and nurses.

Not all codes are for patients. The next time you’re in a hospital, look closely at what the nurse is pushing from room to room. It may look like a small rolling desk with a computer on top. Staff often call it a "WOW," short for "workstation on wheels."

As hospitals switched from paper charts to electronic medical records, these mobile computers became essential. Nurses use them to review test results, scan medications, update patient charts, and check doctors’ orders without leaving the bedside. The name sounds funny, but the technology helps caregivers spend more time with patients instead of walking back and forth to a nursing station.

After getting a shot or having blood drawn, most patients never think about where the used needle ends up. It certainly doesn't go into an ordinary trash can.

Hospitals place needles, scalpels, and other sharp medical instruments into special containers designed to prevent accidental injuries. These sturdy, puncture-resistant boxes are sealed when full and safely disposed of in accordance with strict health regulations. This not only protects nurses, but it also protects cleaning crews, waste handlers, and even the public from dangerous needle sticks. It’s one of the most important safety measures in every hospital, even though most patients never notice it.

If you’ve ever watched a medical drama, you've probably seen a patient become so agitated that several staff members rush into the room. In situations like that, a doctor or nurse may ask for a "B-52." But the name has nothing to do with numbers themselves; it actually comes from a medicine.

B-52 is hospital slang for a fast-acting injection used to calm down patients who are severely combative or at risk of harming themselves or others. The nickname comes from a commonly used combination of medications that usually include diphenhydramine, haloperidol, and lorazepam. It’s strictly reserved for when other methods of calming the patient haven’t worked.