Why are French words used in English?

If you’ve ever ordered a croissant, worn lingerie, or said RSVP, you’ve used French—without even realizing it. But why are so many French words part of the English language?

It turns out, French has left a huge mark on English vocabulary. In fact, nearly 30% of English words come directly or indirectly from French!

Let’s explore how French got into English, why it stayed, and what it means for learners today.

⚔️ 1. The Norman Invasion (1066): French Becomes the Language of Power

The biggest reason French invaded English is… because France literally invaded England!

In 1066, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy (in modern-day France), defeated the English king and became the new ruler of England. As a result:

French became the language of the court, law, government, and elite
English was spoken mostly by peasants and the working class

For over 300 years, French was the language of power, and thousands of French words entered English—especially in law, politics, and food.

📚 2. French Words That Stuck (and Stayed)

Many of the French words introduced in medieval England never left. Today, they’re just… English.

Here are a few examples by category:

👑 Government & Law:

justice, court, judge, parliament, government, crime

🍽️ Food & Cooking:

beef (from boeuf), pork (porc), cuisine, menu, restaurant

🧥 Fashion & Culture:

boutique, chic, haute couture, perfume, ballet, lingerie

💬 Formal Language:

rendezvous, déjà vu, résumé, faux pas, fiancé(e)

🧠 3. Why English Kept the French Words

Even after French was no longer the official language in England, many of its words:

Filled gaps in English vocabulary
Sounded more sophisticated or formal
Became part of the legal and cultural systems

English didn’t replace the French words—it often just kept both.

Example:

Kingly (Old English) vs. royal (French) vs. regal (Latin)

This gives English its famous synonym richness, but also makes it harder for learners!

🧩 4. Why This Matters for Learners

If your native language is French, good news: you already know many English words!

If you’re not a French speaker, learning common French-origin words can:

Improve your reading comprehension
Help with formal writing
Make it easier to learn other Romance languages (like Spanish or Italian)

🔎 5. Fun Facts About French in English

“Beef” (English) comes from French boeuf — but “cow” is from Old English!
English has more French words than modern French has English words.
Some French words in English aren’t used the same way in France (like entrée, which in French means “starter,” not the main dish).

✅ Final Thoughts

French isn’t just a foreign influence in English—it’s a core part of the language. From law to fashion to food, French has shaped the way we speak, write, and even think in English.

So next time you say ballet, attorney, or restaurant, just remember: you’re speaking a little bit of French!