Gallicism
Gallicism is a mode of speech peculiar to the French; a French idiom; also, in general, a French mode or custom.
Gallicisms are loanwords, words or phrases borrowed from French.
In speaking or writing English, a gallicism often results from a direct translation from French idiom, giving an unidiomatic expression. False cognates often provide occasions for gallicisms: For example, using the verb to assist to mean to be present at (as in the French assister) is a gallicism.
See also
- Fowler's Modern English Usage
- List of English words of French origin
- List of French phrases used by English speakers
- Franglais
- Gallicize
- Francization