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I enjoyed this very much Janine. I like comme il faut, literally as it should be. It implies politeness and adherence to social standards. I like also au current, another french one, which means trendy but literally "with the flow". Actually both of these phrases have been absorbed into English, but they are pretty rarified. Thanks again for this awesome article, as I say I find it very fascinating how we express reality in our separate languages. It raises the question--is there a uniform lived reality or is it subtly different depending on your linguistic filter. I mean, a "national character" might emerge from the language first, right? Or did this character exist first and shape its language accordingly. I hate how all questions boil down to chicken or the egg! Anyhow, thanks.

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Christine Stevens
Christine Stevens

Written by Christine Stevens

Funny lady, writer of satire and sex, proud Californian. Like me? You can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/xtinesteveO. Cheers!

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