English

Five French words that we use in English…and vice versa

Ever wondered about the origin of some French words used in English, and if they still mean the same thing? We look at some common terms

French immersion language school in limbo over Covid travel rules

The school specialises in language trips for UK schools and still does not know if it can reopen

French turn to streaming for 'better' English lessons than school

A survey finds that 72% of people in France believe their English lessons at school did not help them speak the language better; and that Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube are more effective

Handy idioms to have at your fingertips

French, like English, is an expressive language and it regularly uses idioms that refer to parts of the body – notably the hand.

Some hairy expressions in French

French has many fascinating terms and expressions linked to the word ' poil ' (hair)

A potted guide to pot expressions

France has plenty of idiomatic expressions based around the term pot.

Soft in the Head

Our tips on how to say you're tipsy

Prime minister Manuel Valls recently revealed on a Canal+ show that it was a long time since he had drunk himself stupid s’etait bourré la gueule . For the French, stuffing your face or getting cooked ( aller prendre une cuite ) is a reference to booze, not food.