Gallicism

In speaking or writing English, a Gallicism often results from a direct translation from French, giving an unidiomatic expression. False friends often provide occasions for Gallicisms: For example, using the verb to assist to mean to be present at (as in the French assister à) is a Gallicism. So is "we haven't had much chance" to mean "we haven't had much luck."

A Gallicism can be:

  • a mode of speech peculiar to the French;
  • a French idiom;
  • in general, a French mode or custom.
  • a loanword, word or phrase borrowed from French.

See also
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