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, August 4, 2012

par excellence (pahr'-ek-suh-LAWNS')

par excellence pronounced 
   
     Par excellence means the best person or thing of its kind.

     Even among the elite group of Olympic swimmers, Michael Phelps stands out--he is a swimmer par excellence.   

      This baguette is the best I've tasted this side of France.  This is truly bread par excellence.


It takes a baker par excellence to produce a true French baguette.
© Szpytma | Stock Free Images
     The Web site architecturaldigest.com describes architect G.P. Schafer thus:
      "A descendant of architects and an alumnus of several leading firms... Schafer has carved out a considerable niche as a builder par excellence."

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