
Foreign-origin Words and Phrases
Authored by Angela Lock
English
8th Grade

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15 questions
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1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
In the sentence, 'Realizing he had called his teacher by her first name was an embarrassing faux pas,' what does the phrase faux pas mean?
A social blunder or mistake
A clever and witty joke
A secret plan or mission
A lucky and fortunate guess
Answer explanation
A faux pas is a French phrase that literally means 'false step.' It refers to a significant or embarrassing error in social etiquette or judgment. The other options describe different, unrelated actions.
2.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match each foreign phrase to its correct English meaning.
Seize the day
Carpe diem
To a sickening or excessive degree
Bona fide
Genuine; in good faith
Ad nauseam
Answer explanation
Each phrase is matched to its direct translation or meaning. Carpe diem is Latin for 'seize the day.' Bona fide is Latin for 'in good faith,' meaning genuine. Ad nauseam is Latin for repeating something until it becomes sickening.
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
In which of these situations would it be most appropriate to say bon voyage to someone?
When they are about to leave for a trip to another country.
When they have just finished a very difficult exam.
When they win the final level of a challenging video game.
When they are getting ready to go to sleep for the night.
Answer explanation
Bon voyage is a French phrase used to wish someone a good trip or journey. It is most fitting when someone is departing for travel, especially a long or significant trip.
4.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
3 mins • 1 pt
Sort these foreign-origin phrases based on the context in which they are most commonly used.
Groups:
(a) Social Contexts
,
(b) Legal or Formal Contexts
de facto
faux pas
pro bono
RSVP
Answer explanation
RSVP (from the French 'Répondez s'il vous plaît') is used on invitations, and faux pas (French for 'false step') describes a social blunder. Both are used in social contexts. De facto (Latin for 'in fact') and pro bono (Latin for 'for the public good') are terms primarily used in formal legal, political, or professional situations.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
The director gave the art team carte blanche to design the movie poster, trusting their creative vision completely. What does carte blanche mean here?
A very strict and limited budget
A specific set of detailed instructions
Complete freedom to act as one wishes
A final warning before being fired
Answer explanation
Carte blanche is French for 'blank paper,' and it means having full freedom and authority to act without restrictions. The context shows the team was trusted with complete creative control.
6.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match each foreign phrase to its closest English equivalent.
In a large group
Verbatim
One's old school or university
En masse
Word for word
Alma mater
In reality or in effect
De facto
Answer explanation
These phrases have common English equivalents. Verbatim means word for word, en masse means as a group, de facto means in effect or in reality, and alma mater refers to one's former school.
7.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Which of the following best defines the phrase nom de plume?
The main character in a story
A pen name used by an author
A famous literary prize
The first draft of a novel
Answer explanation
Nom de plume is French for 'pen name.' It is a pseudonym, or fictitious name, adopted by an author. For example, Mark Twain was the nom de plume of Samuel Clemens.
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