Oh, la la! Have you ever attended a "rendez-vous"? Or maybe had a moment of "deja vu"? Committed a "faux pas"? C'est la vie!
There are many other French vocabulary words and expressions that we commonly use in English; some are: au pair, au naturele, blonde, coup d'etat, faux pas, femme fatale, je ne sais quoi, joi de vivre, laissez faire, petit, passe and potpurri.
Arts are a realm that the French have greatly influenced. Therefore, it comes as no suprise that they have also influenced artistic vocabulary. From artistic styles (avant-garde, fin de siecle) and sculptures (bas-relief), to cinematography (film noir, genre, matinee) and fashion design (haute couture, risque). We also cannot forget their influence in the field of writing (nom de plume) with much more than just vocabulary, and last, their signature upon classical ballet terminology: barre (bar), chaîné (chained), chassé (chased), développé (developed), effacé (shaded), pas de deux (two step), pirouette (turn), plié (bent), relevé (lifted)
The French are famous for the manners and for dictating courtesy as well as correct behavior. This includes the field of celebrations and social events. Several words used in English today mark their influence in this realm: adieu, bon voyage, bon appetit, fiance/fiancee, maitre d', nouveau riche, souvenir, toilette and even the famous Mardi Gras celebration.
Much of gastronomical terminology derives from French. The term "cuisine" itself is not English, but French. And let's not forget about entrees, ordering a la carte, and plats du jours. Or terminology such as au gratin, sautee or puree. And last but not least, when talking about food there is cordon bleu, delicious creme brulee, savory fondue, and crepes.