Je Ne Sais What?: A Guide to de Rigueur Frenglish for Readers, Writers, and Speakers

by Jon Winokur (Editor), William Bramhall (Illustrator)

A quick reference for non-French speakers provides explanations for several often-used French expressions that have crept into the English language. By the author of The Portable Curmudgeon. 15,000 first printing. $15,000 ad/promo.

Genres: Language, Humor, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Jon Winokur (b. Aug. 5, 1947) is an American writer and editor. Born in Detroit, the son of Martin M. and Elinor Winokur, he attended Temple University (BA, 1970) and the University of West Los Angeles (JD, 1980). He lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Cat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never took French as a course. What I know, I've picked up from listening to French-speakers, from reading, and from dictionaries.

This is an interesting way of presenting material I've seen before scattered about, and defining what I (mostly) already knew or guessed. However, there were some surprises, primarily in the pronunciation area. I need to remember the 'uh' sound is different and separate in French (as in English) from the 'oo' sound. On the other hand, the author gave up on trying to include the throated 'r', so the pronunciation he shows can't possibly be correct: "esprit de corps" just can't be pronounced "es pree duh kohr" as an American says his or her letter Rs.

Anyway. I did learn one little tidbit I'm trying to figure out for use in memeland: tout de même, which means "all the same; nevertheless." And now I know how to pronounce La Marseillaise properly (or anyway, MORE properly).

[Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is on my work book shelf and I refer to it all the time. It's a wonderful quick reference when you want to show off as a writer with a smattering of French or if you need to deliver a coup de grace to some other smarty-pants writer who is a bete noire. It's well-written in a cheerful breezy style with lots of interesting quotes and historical information. It's funny and fun to read.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this little book! It makes the pronunciations of common French phrases so clear. Now, instead of merely picturing "trompe l'oeil" in my head, I can say it with confidence. If you've never had a chance to study French, flip through this handy resource and see if you don't feel a little smarter.

[Poindextra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this lexicon of French words that have made their way into english.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing