Snob Words: Making Sense of Words You Wish You Knew, But Don't



Snob words are lexical aristocrats, highfalutin' words and phrases--often derived from foreign languages--that never appear on sixth-grade spelling tests. They're words you don't know, but feel you should know.

And because you don't know them, you often feel excluded.

For example, when Architectural Digest reveals that the actress of the moment has just installed an étagère in her pied-á-terre--and you're left racing to find a French dictionary app--you're a victim of snob words. Those fortunate enough to know the terms are in on the secret, while you're left standing behind the red velvet rope.

This blog is an attempt to demystify snob words, which show up frequently in publications that cater to well educated, upscale readers.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

chaise longue (shez-LOAN΄-guh)

   A chaise longue is a long upholstered chair designed to allow a single person to recline.  But we’re not talking about La-Z-Boys—chaises longues have no moving parts.  
       Chaises longues exist in many styles, from the 18th-century carved wooden versions made for Marie Antoinette to stark modern styles that resemble black leather beach chairs.  While modern chaises longues do not always have arms, most antique versions have an armrest on at least one side.
       Chaises longues are often incorrectly referred to as chaise (pronounced “chase”) lounges.  Don’t make that mistake, although you will see the incorrect term in print from time to time.
Also, be careful with the plural.  In proper French it is chaises longues, but the anglicized chaise longues is also considered acceptable.


Louis XV chaise longue.
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