Yesterday’s post covered some non-English words and phrases that are commonly used in English to describe negative events, outcomes, or states of mind. Today, we’re going over to the lighter side, with terms that have come from Latin, Italian, and French and which still remain in their original languages, without translation, as part of a rich and expressive English vocabulary. You’ll find many opportunities to use these phrases, and will also encounter them in novels, essays, and even the daily news.

Proper pronunciation is key to the effective use of these phrases. We’ve included a simple pronunciation guide, but if you have any questions about how these words should be pronounced, look for on-line audio links (often found associated with dictionary sites) or locate a native speaker of the language who can help you out.

la dolce vita (lah DOHLchay VEEtah)
Italian for “the sweet life,” this phrase describes a life of luxury and pleasure.
Example: Martha always said that she would keep working at the hospital even if she won the lottery, but when she actually did win the ten-million-dollar prize, she decided that she’d rather retire and live la dolce vita in the little village on the Mediterranean where she vacationed last year.

esprit de corps (essPREE duh KOR)
This French phrase, loosely translated as “team spirit,” is often used when talking about sports, competitions, or military efforts, or any other situation where groups of people are working together towards a common goal.
Example: The facilitator had several challenging and fun projects for the company employees at their annual retreat, which went a long way to developing an esprit de corps that had been missing since the reorganization of the departments.

tour de force (TOOR duh FORCE)
When someone accomplishes an amazing feat, or demonstrates great skill, we often use the French phrase tour de force, or “trick of strength,” to describe it – note that the strength can be either physical or intellectual, or refer to a person’s creative output.
Example: The pianist played both of Brahms’ piano concertos in a single program, a tour de force that the audience rewarded with a standing ovation.

bona fide (BOHnah FIDE)
This Latin phrase would be pronounced BOHnah FEEday if we were following the rules of Latin pronunciation, but this is one Latin phrase in the English language that does not stay with its original pronunciation in general use. The term means “good faith” and refers to something that is done in good faith, making a genuine effort or, more literally, something that is genuine or real.
Example 1: The boys made a bona fide effort to rake all of the leaves out of the garden, but the wind was blowing so hard that more fell from the trees as soon as they had finished.
Example 2: That antique shop promised me this was a bona fide World War I uniform, but I found out that it’s just a costume from a play.