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.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

objet d’art (ŌB΄-jay-DAH΄)

     The term objet d’art, French for ‘art object,’ refers to small decorative objects that one might place in an étagère (see post).  Be careful with the plural:  it’s objets d’art, not objet d’arts.)
     A wide variety of items can be considered objets d’art, but a piece must possess a certain degree of artistic merit to belong to the category.  Examples include jeweled pieces meant for display (such as Fabergé eggs), fine glassware, porcelain figurines, other ceramics, small statues, and miniature paintings.
     In addition to finding homes in etageres, objets d’art are often displayed on coffee tables, desks, and side tables.
     “He was only half-joking.  With digital competition, hardcover books are being judged by their covers more than ever before, some earning their keep in the home and heart by doubling as objets d’art.” (Chicago Tribune, December 9, 2011)
Fabergé eggs are some of the most extraordinary objets d'art ever created. 
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