Gallicism
/ˈɡælɪsɪzəm/noun
A word, phrase, or usage characteristic of French, especially one borrowed into another language.
Did you know?The term comes from Latin *Gallicus* (“of Gaul,” i.e. France) plus the suffix *-ism*, and in language history it often marks French influence as a kind of cultural takeover.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Gallicus
“Of Gaul; belonging to the Gauls or their land.”
Late Latin
Latin
gallicismus
“A Gallic expression or mannerism.”
17th Century
French
gallicisme
“A French idiom or expression, especially in another language.”
17th–18th Century
English
gallicism
“A French expression, idiom, or turn of phrase used in another language.”
Modern English
English
Gallicism
“A word or usage characteristic of French, especially when borrowed into English or another language.”