J’ai un rendez-vous, mais ce n’est pas romantique

This word, rendez-vous, has an exciting history and it was borrowed into the English language centuries ago. In fact, as early as 1556, we can find this word in the History & Antiquities of Hengrave, Suffolk (1). Even then, the English (le anglais) enjoyed throwing French words around. Go figure that many who want to come across as more sophisticated, insert a French word here and there to sound more educated (which, of course, can be a bit silly.)

Promotions – Apprendre l’anglais

Anglais Express: De Débutant à Intermédiaire En 3 Heures

Parler anglais comme un anglophone – Speak English Better

But then, what is the word’s essential meaning, if we look way back then? Well, it turns out that it was always a word to describe an action to assemble or meet. Or, succinctly, we can use it in the form to come together for a rendezvous. In France, the word rende-vouz is a way of saying meeting or date. So, you can actually use the word to describe your next appointment at the hairdresser’s. Funnily enough, when the borrowed word rendezvous is used in English, it often signifies a secretive meeting, like that between lovers.

However, in French, the word is rende-vouz, obviously hyphenated because it is a noun. It is a very common word used for meetings and don’t expect it to be a romantic one or secretive at all. 🙂

(1) rendezvous, Oxford English Dictionary.