English has borrowed many words and phrases from foreign languages. Here is a collection of such words and phrases.
Chaperone (French) an older woman who goes out with a young unmarried woman on social occasions
Charade (French) a situation in which people behave as though something is true or serious, when it is not really true
Unless more facilities are given to rural schools, all this talk of improving education is just a charade.
Charge d’affaires (French) an official who represents a particular government during the absence of an ambassador
Charisma (Greek) a natural ability to attract and interest other people and make them admire you
Although Amanda is a well-known actor, she lacks charisma.
Chauffeur (French) someone whose job is to drive a car for someone else
Cherub (Hebrew) a young pretty child who behaves very well
Chic (French) very fashionable and expressive and showing good judgment of what is attractive and good style
We had dinner at a chic restaurant.
Chop suey (Chinese) A Chinese dish of meat and vegetables, served with rice
Chutney (Hindi) a mixture of fruits, hot-tasting spices and sugar that is eaten especially with meat or cheese
Chutzpah (Yiddish) a lot of confidence and courage to do something that might involve being impolite to someone in authority
Circa (Latin) around, about, or approximately
William Brown was born circa 1590.
Clairvoyance (French) power to perceive objects that cannot be detected through the natural senses
Cliché (French) an overused or trite expression
Joseph’s speech was full of clichés and bad jokes.
Clientele (French) patrons or customers of a commercial establishment
The clientele of the hotel were largely travelling salesmen.
Clique (French) a small group of people who think they are special and do not want other people to join them
There was a ruling clique of officials who took all the decisions in the ministry.
Coiffeur (French) the way someone’s hair is arranged or a male hair stylist
Collage (French) a picture made by sticking other pictures, photographs or cloth on to a surface
Colloquium (Latin) a conference
Colossus (Latin) someone or something that is extremely big or extremely important
Leonardo was an intellectual colossus.
Coma (Greek) someone who is in a coma has been unconscious for a long time, usually because of a serious illness or injury
Commandant (French) an army officer in charge of a place or group of people
Commandeer (Afrikaans) to take possession of property by force especially during a war
Commando (Afrikaans) a soldier who is specially trained to make quick attacks into enemy areas
Commis (French) junior or apprentice
The commis chef assists the chef in the preparation and service of food.
Commissariat (Latin) a military department that is responsible for supplying food
Commode (French) a piece of furniture shaped like a chair that can be used as a toilet
Communique (French) an official report or announcement
A communiqué was issued by the Army Headquarters.
Compendium (Latin) a book that contains a complete collection of facts on a particular subject
Compere (French) someone who introduces the people who are performing in a television programme or theatre
Condominium (Latin) one apartment in a building with several apartments, each of which is owned by the people living there
Conduit (French) a pipe or passage through which water, gas or electricity wires pass