help for definition of a French word: totally off topic

Tom Myler TomMyler@worldnet.att.net
Thu, 23 Apr 1998 17:09:27 -0700


>Would someone who knows French translate the full meaning of Bijou in
>English for me.
>Thanks
>James Grebe
>R.P.T. of the P.T.G. from St. Louis, MO. USA, Earth


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>From  Cecil Adams' "More of the Straight Dope":

"Bijou", originally a French word meaning "trinket" or "jewel",  was
probably one of the five or six most popular theater names in America at one
time...........The word entered the English language in the
1600's.........eventually it picked up an adjectival use as a rough synonym
for "charming" or "of intricate design" with reference to architecture-
e.g., a bijou cottage.   Since theater owners have always liked to advertise
the attractiveness of their establishments, and since bijou has the added
advantage of sounding exotic, Bijou Theater was a natural.........


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Can I get you anything else?


Tom Myler
"Well done" is better than "Well said"





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