coup de grace
(french) a death blow [literally, a blow of mercy]
cum laude
(latin) with honors [lowest of three honors - summa and magna]
double- entendre
(french) a double meaning; used to express two meanings, especially when one is risque
en rapport
(french) in sympathy, accord, or agreement
esprit de corps
(french) a common spirit of devotion among members of a group
par excellence
(french) being an example of excellence; superior
qui vive
(french) who goes there?
potpourri
(french) a mixture of species/flowers kept in a jar for fragrance; any mixture of items
faux pas
(french) a slip or blunder in etiquette, manner; a social blunder
savoir- faire
(french) knowledge of what to do in any situation; tact
tete-a-tete
(french) a private conversation between two people
nouveau riche
(french) a person newly rich
laissez faire
(french) the theory that government should intervene as little as possible
entree
(french) a dish served as the main course; making an entrance
elan
(french) a dash; impetuous ardor
coup d' etat
(french) a sudden action resulting in a change of government
hors d'oeuvres
(french) appetizer; a bit of food before a meal
bon appetite
(french) [I wish you] a hearty meal
c'est la vie
(french) that's life; such is life
cogito, ergo sum
(Latin) I think; therefore, I am. [Descartes first principle to resolve universal doubt]
e pluribus unum
(Latin) out of many, one; in unity we have strength [motto of the USA]
ex libris
(Latin) from the library; inscription on a book plate
requiescat in pace
(Latin) many he/she rest in peace
simper fidelis
(Latin) always faithful [motto of the US marine corps]
status (in) quo
(Latin) the existing state or condition
veni, vidi, vici
(Latin) I came, I saw, I conquered [Julius Caesar]
voila
(french) used ti express success or satisfaction
per se
(Latin) by, of, for, or in itself; intrinsically
etcetera
(Latin) and others; and so forth [edited for brevity]