Foreign-origin Words and Phrases

After spilling his drink all over the new white rug, Leo knew he had committed a major social blunder. Which phrase describes his mistake?

• faux pas

• carte blanche

• status quo

• bona fide

Answer explanation

A 'faux pas' is an embarrassing or tactless act in a social situation. The other options mean full authority ('carte blanche'), the existing state of affairs ('status quo'), and genuine ('bona fide').

Match each Latin phrase to its English meaning.

• The other way around

• status quo

• For a specific purpose

• ad hoc

• Seize the day

• vice versa

• The existing state of affairs

• carpe diem

Answer explanation

Each Latin phrase is correctly paired with its direct English translation or meaning. 'Ad hoc' means for a specific purpose, 'vice versa' means conversely, 'carpe diem' means seize the day, and 'status quo' refers to the current situation.

The invitation for the party ended with 'RSVP by Friday.' What is the host asking guests to do?

• Bring a gift

• Reply to the invitation

• Arrive on time

• Dress formally

Answer explanation

RSVP is from the French phrase 'Répondez s'il vous plaît,' which means 'Please respond.' It's a request for guests to let the host know if they will attend.

Sort these phrases based on the social situation they are used for: Saying Goodbye or Expressing an 'Oops' Moment.

Groups:

(a) Saying Goodbye

,

(b) Expressing an 'Oops' Moment

• adios

• bon voyage

• klutz

• faux pas

Answer explanation

'Bon voyage' (have a good trip) and 'adios' (goodbye) are used for departures. A 'faux pas' (social blunder) and 'klutz' (a clumsy person) relate to mistakes or awkward moments.

Your friend is nervous about trying out for the school play. To encourage them to live in the moment and not worry, you might say:

• Caveat emptor!

• E pluribus unum!

• Carpe diem!

• Déjà vu!

Answer explanation

'Carpe diem' is a Latin phrase meaning 'seize the day,' used to encourage someone to make the most of the present. The other phrases mean 'let the buyer beware,' 'out of many, one,' and a feeling of having already experienced something.

Read the sentence below. The museum curator had to verify that the artifact was a bona fide relic from the 18th century before putting it on display. What is the meaning of the phrase bona fide as it is used in the sentence?

• expertly crafted

• temporarily loaned

• genuine and authentic

• extremely valuable

Answer explanation

The sentence context requires the curator to verify the artifact's authenticity. 'Bona fide' is a Latin phrase meaning 'in good faith,' which translates to 'genuine' or 'authentic' in this context. The other options are plausible characteristics of a museum artifact but do not match the specific meaning of 'bona fide.'

Match each phrase to the idea it represents.

• A temperamental and conceited person

• Déjà vu

• The feeling of having been somewhere before

• Prima donna

• Complete freedom to act as one wishes

• En masse

• All together in a large group

• Carte blanche

Answer explanation

Each phrase is correctly matched with the concept it describes. 'Déjà vu' is a feeling of familiarity, 'prima donna' describes a difficult personality, 'carte blanche' means total authority, and 'en masse' means as a group.

The detective studied the crime scene to figure out the thief's usual modus operandi. What was the detective looking for?

• A specific piece of evidence

• The thief's signature method or pattern

• The time the crime occurred

• A list of potential suspects

Answer explanation

'Modus operandi' is a Latin phrase for 'method of operating.' It refers to someone's particular way of doing things, especially in the context of criminal behavior.

Which foreign phrase is the best replacement for 'the existing state of affairs'?

• status quo

• pro bono

• ad nauseam

• quid pro quo

Answer explanation

'Status quo' is a Latin phrase that directly means 'the existing state.' The other options mean 'for the public good' ('pro bono'), 'to a sickening degree' ('ad nauseam'), and 'a favor for a favor' ('quid pro quo').

Sort these food-related phrases by their language of origin: French or Italian.

Groups:

(a) French

,

(b) Italian

• Alfresco

• Bon appétit

• À la carte

• Al dente

Answer explanation

'À la carte' and 'bon appétit' are French phrases related to dining. 'Al dente' (referring to pasta) and 'alfresco' (dining outdoors) are Italian.