One French Word You Should NEVER Say in a Work Context
(*SPOILER* I did this!)
Word to the wise about a work faux pas that I committed a few years ago. So sit back, relax, and let me tell you the tale of the faux amie you should absolutely avoid.
A faux ami (or false friend) is a word in one language that is similar to a word in another language but with a different meaning. This can cause confusion or misunderstandings for language learners or people communicating in different languages.
It was getting chilly and our tiny office in a town off the West Coast was buzzing with festive cheer. We had just got the email inviting us to the annual office Christmas party, which promised to be a night of revelry, merriment, and - of course - plenty of champagne. We were also offered express trains and fancy hotels for the night in Paris.
As I was chatting with my colleague Ludovic about logistics upcoming event, I wanted to express just how excited I was. But in my enthusiasm, I made a crucial error.
You see, in French, the word for "excited" is "exité". But here's the thing: "exité" also means "turned on". You can see where this is going, can't you? 🫢
So, without thinking, I blurted out to Ludovic that I was ``tres, tres excite about the Christmas party". And before I could even register what had happened, the colour drained from his face, then it came back, bright red. Oh la la, it sure was hot in here for November. It was only after a my friend Sofie pulled me aside at lunch and explained my mistake that I remembered.
Needless to say, I was mortified. Ludo was a good sport about it and we both laughed it off, but I learned a valuable lesson that day: always double-check the meaning of words in other languages before using them in a work context. And never underestimate the power of a playful language mishap to break the ice and lighten the mood!
So, voila - my embarrassing work story that I'm sharing with you in the hopes of brightening your day. And if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, just remember to laugh it off, apologise if necessary, and move on… or don’t. Add a lingering regard and a wink.
After all, life's too short to take ourselves too seriously or pass up the chance to let someone know that we are in fact open to all options 😉
