High Relief - Today’s Fancy French Word

Susan Danziger is the founder of the "#1 book website" DailyLit; was selected one of the "25 most influential business women in New York"; and is married to Albert, a partner at Union Square Ventures. She is an avid ping-pong player and delights in showing her 3 children the wonders of the world.

Today’s Fancy French Word - hors d’œuvre

Of course we all know that an hors d’oeuvre is an appetizer. But what I didn’t realize is that “hors d’oeuvre” literally means (from the French) “outside of work”. That is “oeuvre” means work – that is the main work (or main course in a meal) so “hors d’oeuvre” simply means something outside of (or before) the main course. Pretty neat, don’t you think?

Now please pass the hors d’oeuvres!

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