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.Tumblr (3.0; @susandanziger)http://susandanziger.com/<p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>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”.<span>  </span>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.<span>  </span>Pretty neat, don’t you think?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Now please pass the hors d’oeuvres!</span></p> <!--EndFragment--></p>http://susandanziger.com/post/1611316403http://susandanziger.com/post/1611316403Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:26:44 -0500<p>When I was in 6th grade, my English teacher, Mr. Kaye, taught us “Fancy French Expressions”  — that is, French expressions or words we use in English.  I loved learning these words so I’ve decided to feature them here.  Or at least one starting today.   <br/><br/>First up, “aperitif”.   I figured it’s a good word to start with given that it’s almost holiday time (with relatives visiting, it’ll come in handy – as a conversation piece, that is☺.)<br/><br/>We all know that aperitif means an alcoholic drink served before a meal as a sort of appetizer or, simply, a cocktail.  But what I didn’t realize is that “aperitif” comes from the Latin word, apertivus, from aperir meaning “to open.” It’s fun to think of an aperitif as an opener – opening the meal, opening the conversation, opening your inhibitions.  Well, OK, maybe I’ve gone a bit too far.  ☺<br/><br/>Cheers!<br/><br/><br/><br/></p>http://susandanziger.com/post/1535739273http://susandanziger.com/post/1535739273Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:37:48 -0500