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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Recognize French-origin words used in English and choose the right tone and context for each.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode surveys French-origin words now used in English, from a recognized emergency call to labels for art styles and polite expressions at meals or departures. The lesson focuses on present-day meaning and context rather than treating every word as equally common in every English-speaking community.
Cultural note: Borrowed words can be pronounced differently across regions and professions. “Mayday” is a serious distress call, not a playful synonym for an ordinary problem; use it only when the situation warrants an emergency signal.
Keep exploringSome borrowed words sound at home in English, while others still signal a particular field, style, or social moment.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Recognize a standardized emergency word.
Recognition caution
Meaning
An internationally recognized spoken distress call used to signal grave and imminent danger.
Tone & use
Used in aviation, maritime, and other emergency communication. It is not related to the month of May and should not be used casually in a real emergency.
Example
“The pilot declared Mayday after the aircraft lost engine power and requested immediate assistance.”
For real emergencies only; follow the relevant emergency procedures.
Describe a film style or work that pushes beyond familiar conventions.
Meaning
An approach that allows people, organizations, or markets to act with little outside direction or interference.
Tone & use
Common in discussions of economics, management, and policy. It describes an approach, not proof that the approach is effective or fair.
Example
“The studio used a laissez-faire style, giving each artist room to plan their own schedule.”
Meaning
A style of crime film often associated with shadowy visuals, moral ambiguity, and an ominous atmosphere.
Tone & use
A film-history label; not every black-and-white crime movie is film noir.
Example
“The class compared how two film noir scenes used lighting to create tension.”
Meaning
Innovative or experimental, especially in art, music, or literature.
Tone & use
Often used in reviews and arts writing. It can praise originality or suggest that a work may be challenging for some audiences.
Example
“The gallery paired avant-garde installations with a short guide to help visitors understand the materials.”
Use familiar borrowed expressions in social settings.
Meaning
A polite wish that someone enjoy their meal.
Tone & use
Used in English, especially around dining, though “enjoy your meal” is more widely understood in many settings.
Example
“The host placed the dishes on the table and said, “Bon appétit, everyone.””
Meaning
A friendly wish for someone to have a good trip.
Tone & use
A familiar borrowed expression, often used when someone is leaving for a journey.
Example
“Her coworkers wished her bon voyage before she left for a month of fieldwork.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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