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.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

au courant (oh΄-coo-RAWN΄)

Click to hear "au courant" pronounced
     To be au courant, which means “in the current,” in French, is to be fully informed, up to date, and aware of recent developments in any given field. 

     Denise’s father was au courant in some things, like national politics and the NFL, but when it came to fashion, he was decades behind.

     Being au courant is the opposite of having one’s head in the sand. 
     In addition to being au courant in fashion, sports, and politics, one can be au courant in the latest decorating, automotive, and food trends.  A 1999 New York Times article on the resurgence of farro, a whole grain variety of wheat, was entitled, “An Ancient Grain, Now Au Courant.”
Read the article
     Try working au courant into your daily conversation thus:

     Sheila, you are always stuck in last season!  Why can’t you be au courant, like me?
Stella felt au courant with her red nails and low-rise jeans.
© Kalashnikov_o | Stock Free Images
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