What does je ne sais quois mean Meaning and Definition
What does je ne sais quois mean
Pronunciation
/dʒiːˈneɪˌsiːˈwiːz/
Part of Speech
Idiom or phrase
Definition
A term used to describe a quality or feeling that is difficult to quantify or explain, often used to express a sense of charm, attractiveness, or appeal.
Examples
- The new restaurant has a certain je ne sais quoi that sets it apart from others.
- She has a je ne sais quoi that makes her stand out in the crowd.
Synonyms
- Charm
- Attraction
- Appeal
Etymology
The phrase “je ne sais quoi” is a French expression that literally translates to “I do not know what.” It is believed to have originated in the 17th century and was used to describe a quality or feeling that was difficult to put into words.
Usage Notes
To use “je ne sais quoi” effectively, it is often helpful to provide context or additional information to clarify the quality or feeling being described. It can also be used to add nuance or depth to a description, but should be used sparingly to avoid sounding pretentious or overly vague.
Cultural References
- In the 1990s TV show “Friends,” the character Joey Tribbiani uses the phrase “je ne sais quoi” to describe his charming personality.
- In the 2003 film “Lost in Translation,” the character Charlotte uses the phrase to describe her connection with the character Bob.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “X has a certain je ne sais quoi” – This phrase is often used to describe someone or something that has an intangible quality or charm.
Related Words or Phrases
- Style
- Taste
- Flair
Collocations
- ‘je ne sais quoi’ and ‘charm’
- ‘je ne sais quoi’ and ‘appeal’
Frequency of Use
The phrase “je ne sais quoi” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but it is still used to convey a sense of charm or appeal.
Common Misspellings
- Je ne sais quio
- John ne sais quoi
- Je ne sais quou