In this week’s posts, we’re reviewing words and phrases that, while part of the English language, remain in their original language (most often Latin, French, or Italian). Today’s words and phrases all describe things that are negative.

bête noire (bet NWAHR)
This French phrase literally means “black beast” and is used to describe something that is particularly difficult to do or to deal with.
Example: I enjoy learning French, and have no problems memorizing most of the verb conjugations, but the subjunctive tense is my bête noire – I can’t seem to remember it!

coup de grâce (COO duh GRAHS)
Another French phrase, meaning the final strike or blow. Originally this was used literally, to describe the killing stroke of a sword after an opponent (or a hunted animal) had been wounded and defeated, but was not yet dead; today it is used metaphorically as well.
Example: Jonathan was struggling to make ends meet and barely managed to pay his bills each month but his landlord’s raising of his rent was the coup de grâce, and Jonathan declared bankruptcy and sold everything he owned.

coup d’état (COO dayTAH)
This is also a French term, and refers to the overthrow of a government, often by violence, and usually by either the military arm of the government or by a small group of individuals.
Example: Over the past 50 years, the leaders of many African countries, including Libya and Sudan, have come to power via a coup d’état.

verboten (verBOHten)
This German word means “forbidden.” Although many English words have German derivation, it’s unusual for a German word to be used in everyday English. This word is most often used for emphasis.
Example: The seagulls that swarm around the fish and chip shops are such a nuisance that the town council has declared that feeding them scraps is strictly verboten.

mea culpa (MAYah COOLpah)
This Latin phrase is frequently used in a joking way, when you have done something that has upset someone else, and it seems their reaction is excessive. Although this Latin phrase translates as “it’s my fault,” when you say it you may not necessarily be admitting that you did something wrong, just that the outcome was negative.
Example: I didn’t realize that you were allergic to peanuts – mea culpa! I’ll make sure to bring nut-free cookies to the next staff meeting.