Think the French only speak their own language? Think again! Walk down any Parisian street, eavesdrop on a café conversation, or flip through a French magazine, and you’ll hear English words slipping into daily speech like uninvited but charming guests. The French might fiercely protect their linguistic heritage, but some English words have waltzed right in—and refused to leave.
Here’s the twist: these words aren’t just borrowed. They’re fully embraced, sometimes reshaped, and often pronounced with a delicious French flair. From fashion to tech, business to slang, the French have made these 20 English terms their own.
1. Le Selfie
Even in the land of haute couture and timeless elegance, snapping a selfie is totally normal. The French didn’t just adopt the word—they made it theirs, complete with a French article (“le”). Whether it’s in front of the Louvre or at a cozy bistro, “prendre un selfie” is as common as saying “bonjour.”
2. Le Shopping
Forget “faire des courses”—today, it’s all about “faire du shopping.” The French love their boutiques, department stores, and especially “les soldes” (sales season). And yes, they’ll proudly declare, “Je vais faire du shopping ce weekend.”
3. Le Parking
In France, “parking” isn’t the act of parking your car—it’s the place where you park it. Need directions? Someone might say, “Il y a un parking juste à côté.” Simple, efficient, and undeniably English at heart.
4. Un Jogging
If a French friend says they’re wearing “un jogging,” don’t imagine them sprinting through the park. In French, “jogging” means a tracksuit—the comfy outfit you wear while maybe (or maybe not) doing actual exercise.
5. Le Weekend
“Bon weekend!” is how French colleagues sign off on Fridays. While “fin de semaine” exists, the English version won the battle. Short, snappy, and universally understood—just like the joy of two days off.
6. Un Sandwich
France gave the world the baguette, but when it comes to quick bites, “un sandwich” rules. Whether it’s a simple jambon-beurre or a fancy club, the word stays stubbornly English.
7. Un Email / Un Mail
The Académie Française tried pushing “courriel,” but the French ignored it. Instead, they say, “Je t’envoie un mail”—casual, quick, and unmistakably borrowed from English.
8. Le Brainstorming
Why say “réflexion collective” when “brainstorming” sounds so much cooler? In French offices, meetings are full of “des brainstormings” where ideas fly as fast as espresso is drunk.
9. Le Marketing
From university courses to corporate strategies, “le marketing” is everywhere in France. The word fits perfectly into business lingo, proving that some concepts just don’t need translation.
10. Une Start-up
France’s tech scene? Bursting with “start-ups” pitching ideas in “le pitch.” The term is so ingrained that no French equivalent stands a chance.
11. Le Look
“J’adore ton look!” is high praise in France. Whether it’s Parisian chic or streetwear, “le look” is all about style—and the word itself is borrowed with pride.
12. Un Remake
Hollywood remakes might get eye rolls, but in France, they call them “remakes” without hesitation. Cinema, music, even fashion—if it’s a revival, it’s a “remake.”
13. Un Hit
When a song dominates summer playlists, the French don’t call it “un succès”—they say, “C’est un vrai hit!” Short, catchy, and impossible to resist.
14. Un Best-Seller
Books that fly off shelves? Those are “best-sellers,” no translation needed. Whether it’s a thriller or a romance, the term stays gloriously English.
15. Le Casting
From film auditions to reality TV, “le casting” is the go-to word. French producers don’t hold “auditions”—they hold “castings.” Simple as that.
16. Un Penalty
Football fans in France scream “penalty!” just like fans worldwide. The term slipped into French soccer lingo and never left.
17. Un Smartphone
“Téléphone intelligent” was the official term, but the French rolled their eyes and said, “Non, c’est un smartphone.” And that was that.
18. Un Bug
Tech problems? Glitches? The French shrug and say, “Il y a un bug.” No need for a French alternative when the English word works perfectly.
19. Le Coach
Fitness, career, or life advice—whatever the context, the French turn to “le coach.” The word fits seamlessly into their vocabulary, accent and all.
20. Un Dressing
Not a salad topping! In French, “un dressing” is a walk-in closet—proof that even borrowed words can take on entirely new meanings.
The French language might have gatekeepers, but these English words have danced right past them. Some are debated, others fully embraced—but all are here to stay. So next time you hear a French person drop an English word, smile. It’s not laziness—it’s linguistic charm.
Did you know the French loved these words so much? Which one surprised you the most?
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
