| A | B |
|---|
| au courant | well-informed; up to date |
| blase | tired of pleasures; bored |
| complaisant | willing to please; amiable |
| gauche | lacking social grace; crude; awkward |
| coterie | set or circle of friends; clique |
| gourmand | person excessively fond of eating and drinking |
| martinet | a person who enforces very strict discipline |
| nonpareil | person of unequalled excellence; a paragon |
| parvenu | person suddenly risen to wealth or power who lacks the sophistication the proper social qualifications |
| raconteur | person who excels in telling stories |
| elan | enthusiasm; eagerness for action |
| ennui | feeling of weariness and discontent; boredom |
| esprit de corps | feeling of union and common interest pervading a group; devotion to a group or to its ideals |
| legerdemain | sleight of hand; artful trick |
| noblesse oblige | principle that persons of high rank or birth are obliged to act nobly |
| sang froid | coolness of mind or composure in difficult circumstances |
| savoir faire | knowledge of just what to do; tact |
| billet-doux | love letter |
| mot juste | the exactly right word |
| riposte | quick retort or repartee |
| bete noir | object or person dreaded; bugbear |
| cause celebre | famous case in law that arouses considerable interest; an incident or situation that attracts attention |
| debacle | collapse; overthrow; rout |
| fait accompli | thing already done |
| faux pas | misstep or blunder in conduct, manners, or speech |
| melange | mixture; medley; potpourri |
| detente | a relaxing, as of strained relations between nations |
| entente | understanding or agreement between governments |
| rapprochement | establishment or state of cordial relations; coming together |
| ambience | surrounding atmosphere; enviroment |
| bagatelle | a trifle |
| coup de grace | decisive, finishing blow |
| repertoire | stock of plays, operas, roles, etc that a company or performer is prepared to perform |
| soubriquet | nickname |
| tour de force | feat of strength, skill, or ingenuity |
| raison d'etre | reason or justification for existence |
| nonchalant | without concern or enthusiasm |
| frisson | friction; tension |
| liaison | bond; coordination of activities |
| bonhomie | goodnaturedness |
