Updated July 24, 2021 645 Author: Dmitry Petrov
Hello, dear readers of the KtoNaNovenkogo.ru blog. Everything new is well forgotten old. The heroes of our review today (the words bad manners and comme il faut) illustrate this immutable truth in the best possible way.
Nowadays they can be found quite often in spoken and written speech (I just love them so much), while just recently (before perestroika) no one really used them. Moreover, they were considered deeply outdated and even harmful relics of the past.
However, the words comme il faut and bad manners appeared in the Russian language long before this (several centuries ago), when, along with Russian, the French language was in use among the nobility and other enlightened public (they spoke it, argued, declared their love). Naturally, some phrases from the French language were transformed into Russian words, while maintaining their original meaning.
But what is comme il faut (or “not comme il faut”) and bad manners? What do they mean in modern colloquial language and how to use them correctly so as not to hear in response: “Yes, this is complete bad manners, my dear!” Let's watch.
A short preface
The word gained its popularity in the 19th century, when it was combined with “bad manners” and other words that are pleasant to the ear. Over time, they began to forget about it, and during the Soviet Union, few people had heard of its existence.
However, with the advent of democracy and Western values, the word, oddly enough, has regained wide popularity. The one who uttered it a priori became an intellectual and erudite. But not everyone knows what this “come il faut” means. And therefore they use it in inappropriate situations. And to avoid such situations, the meanings of the word are described below.
Interesting facts about the word.
It is generally accepted that Leo Tolstoy was very fond of the French phrase “comme il faut” or in our speech “come il faut” and very often used it in his works. In fact, in his work this word appears as often as in other writers. Turgenev, Aksenov, Saltykov-Shchedrin and many others used “comme il faut” to convey an assessment of some actions, behavior or appearance of different characters. Gogol is said to be the first to introduce the term into literature.
It is interesting that the word comme il faut, like the similar word bad manners, can be inclined. And if these words are not inclined, then they sound quite modern and appropriate. They can even be used in modern fashion and the internet. But words such as “commeille façade” and “bad manners” are not relevant at all, they resemble things from an old grandmother’s chest. They are practically never found in modern colloquial or literary speech.
What is written in explanatory dictionaries?
Not very educated people do not think much about the meaning of the phrases they utter. And due to misunderstandings, conflicts can arise between individuals. To prevent this from happening, you need to read more classical (and not only) literature. Explanatory dictionaries are also good for this purpose, allowing you to learn all the subtleties of using a particular word.
To explain the meaning of “come il faut,” we have shortened the dictionary entries and brought them to your attention:
- In the dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language, comme il faut is a “high” upbringing, compliance with the rules of decency. That is, a person adheres to a secular tone, pleasant, gallant in manner.
- The Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian language interprets the word as adhering to a certain type of behavior, the inability to behave uncivilized, knowledge of the rules of secular address, correctness in actions, high culture, good upbringing.
- Michelson's large explanatory and phraseological dictionary. Come il faut is correctness in action relative to the secular code of correct behavior. Courtliness, a high degree of culture, human decency.
- Efremova’s modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language reports that this word is usually used in relation to male representatives, and denotes adherence to a strict procedure in communication, service, etc. Roughly speaking, a person always follows the rules of decency and secular tone.
In other explanatory dictionaries, the description is practically no different. And there is no need to enter them here.
See also: APRIORI - what does it mean in simple words
Come il faut
What is bad manners?
It was not in vain that I mentioned my passion for these words a little higher. Even on this blog, where high-society language is mostly inappropriate due to the technical nature of the texts, no, no, and “bad manners” will come out of the mouth:
However, when using such words, sometimes you involuntarily catch yourself wondering whether they are worth using on this blog. What if someone in the audience doesn’t know their meaning and will think what it is and what I wanted to say? Maybe it’s better to use something more digestible and common than comme il faut with bad manners? Probably, but I really like such words, because they color the speech like emoticons (pure IMHO, but it’s better that I later make a footnote to this post, but I’ll bring a sparkle to the text).
So, what is bad manners ? As I already mentioned, this word is very old, but has obvious French roots. It developed and was formed due to the frequent use of the expression “mauvais ton” (movie tone), meaning the most banal thing - bad taste.
It is clear that two hundred years ago this word mostly referred to behavior in a secular society (in the world), where there was a set of written and unwritten rules, the violation of which was indicated by that biting word “bad manners” (you could also say “what bad manners!” .
Moreover, bad manners could be called both the act (misdemeanor) itself and the person who committed it. Has anything changed in the meaning of this word now ? Yes, almost nothing, with the exception that there is no longer a secular society, but there are various communities (environments), which also have their own unwritten rules , violation or neglect of which will literally be bad manners.
History of the word "come il faut"
All words that are borrowed from French are called Gallicisms. Literally, “come il faut” translates as “as it should.” It is used in the following cases:
- If they want to make a compliment about a person’s appearance.
- Praise his actions.
- As a mark of behavior.
As a rule, this word is used when it is necessary to emphasize the good manners of a person and the fact that he follows secular rules of decency. By the way, the appearance of this borrowing is historically justified. After all, for some time in Russia, the French language was widely popular among the nobility, and it was with its help that those with blue blood expressed their sophistication and education.
Comme il faut in modern society.
The word is used quite often, but most often you can hear “not comme il faut,” that is, a negative assessment using a word that would mean: “not good, not decent, not comfortable.” This word most often refers to appearance, such as the combination of clothing or the appropriateness of an outfit. Can also refer to an assessment of physical appearance, such as hairstyle or haircut.
It is worth noting that, unlike the word “bad manners,” “not comme il faut” expresses a more individual attitude. Bad manners are non-compliance with rules or requirements. Come il faut or not comme il faut is a personal assessment of behavior or appearance.
Come il faut - what does it mean?
The word Come il faut means manners, actions, behavior that correspond to the rules of good manners accepted in society.
The French words Moveton and Come il faut were fashionable to use about 200 years ago. Therefore, the word Come il faut on Wikipedia is listed as obsolete. In those days, in high society, speaking French was a sign of education. The word Come il faut was used to denote the actions of a cultured, decent, enlightened, highly educated person.
Fashion, as you know, often returns and now these words have again begun to be used in everyday communication. But in order to show your erudition, it is important to use them in a way that does not decorate their speech, but even, on the contrary.
How to use the word "come il faut"?
We have considered everything that may interest us regarding the meaning of the French phrase “come il faut”. What it is, what its original meaning is, synonyms and antonyms - we already know all this. But a foreign word has special rules for use in speech. Now a little about them. In a sentence, this word will be correctly used both as a definition and as a predicate derived from a noun. If previously various French borrowings were perceived by society as something ostentatious, manifestations of pseudo-aristocratism, today you can safely saturate your speech with them. In moderation, of course, so that your speech remains pleasant and understandable.
Meaning of the word
Having a clearly defined framework of compliance with the introduced provisions, the concept itself is quite vague and concerns different spheres of life. For example, in the context of observing social conventions and rules of etiquette, the meaning of the word acquires an assessment of a person’s actions and their directions in relation to society, the ability to comply with established rules and unspoken laws. Regarding the external manifestation, the concept of comme il faut can be used as a characteristic of a person’s clothing, makeup, level of hygiene, as well as a combination of these things (of course, taking into account compliance with the external framework, for example, the time of day, the style of the meeting or the dress code of the establishment).
To better understand the meaning of the word, the definition of comme il faut, this is possible not only thanks to the synonymous series, but also to the opposite concepts. The most striking example of contrasting comme il faut is bad manners, as a word denoting manners, behavior and appearance, as well as expressed thoughts and their formulations, not accepted or even condemned in decent society. Decent in the context of considering these concepts means aristocracy and the intelligentsia, as well as other layers where social behavior is regulated not so much by the emotional manifestations and needs of people, but by a set of rules outlined in laws, etiquette or unspoken norms of behavior.
In modern society, the use of this word in its negative aspect is increasingly spreading. Few people allow themselves expressions that emphasize that the other person looks comme il faut or the reception is organized comme il faut - such expressions even hurt the ears a little. At the same time, making it clear to the other that his behavior does not correspond to the situation is quite acceptable, saying that this is not comme il faut. This allows space for cultural expression of requirements and rules without direct and rude remarks towards the individual.
A little history
It is necessary to note at the very beginning that this term came to us from France. And it became relevant already in those times when the Russian nobility willingly imitated the French, adopting not only customs and behavior, but also certain words and phrases. Thus, this word (more precisely, a phrase) is found on the pages of Pushkin’s novel “Eugene Onegin” and as an entire section in “Youth” by Leo Tolstoy. It is very actively used as a slang word among nobles. However, it becomes outdated extremely quickly. This term comes back into use at the beginning of the 21st century. Today it is actively used not only in the media, but also in the colloquial speech of ordinary people.
Revival of a forgotten word
During the Soviet period, this Gallicism is forgotten. And with the advent of the twenty-first century, we again remember some pre-revolutionary words. Including this. Today it is used in wide circles.
The forgotten word of the nobles of the nineteenth century was remembered in the nineties. Most likely, the main role here was played by a TV show called “Come il faut.” Then the word began to be applied to the expression “new Russian”, because the program advertised expensive goods. It doesn’t matter what kind, the main thing is expensive.
At the turn of the century it often appears in a variety of names. They could call it everything - from a drinking establishment to an expensive clothing store. Trademarks, stores, furniture, clothing models, and hairstyles began to receive names containing a fashionable word from the nineteenth century.
The word became fashionable due to its foreign origin, euphony and the echo of the fashion of the richest nobility contained in it. Gallicism was applied to the place and not to the place. Because of this comme il faut, the meaning became vague and few could accurately explain the meaning of a word that appears so often. It has become an advertising marker that immediately characterizes the product on the positive side, pointing out its special features and high cost.
Definition of the concept
Comme il faut, the meaning of the word today can be explained in the same way as in the century before last. It means exactly what the translation of the French “comme il faut” means “as it should” or “as it should.” Characterizes objects, style, actions as appropriate to the place and looking good.
Proper use
Nowadays, most ordinary people can use the Gallicism “come il faut” and, accordingly, its direct opposite “not comme il faut” in different cases. Examples of situations in which a buzzword will be used appropriately:
- when talking about clothing, you can use the word as an unchangeable adjective;
- assessing the general style or appearance of a person;
- when describing pieces of furniture or interior design: “It seems to me that this chandelier is not comme il faut”;
- applicable to individual actions and manners in general: “It’s absolutely not comme il faut to talk like that.”
Using this Gallicism, you can diversify your speech, embellishing it with notes of French sophistication. From this word one can still feel the echoes of the refined manners of high society. By pronouncing this word in the right place, you rise a little in the eyes of your interlocutor.
Examples of using the word
Considering the definition of “come il faut” (what it is and how to use it competently in your speech), we will give several useful examples. As we know, the word is used in relation to behavior, clothing, conversation. For example, it is considered completely acceptable and even encouraged to drink a glass of champagne on a holiday. But on weekdays, alcohol in the first half of the day is no longer comme il faut. As for clothing, what is comme il faut and what is not is determined by the dress code of the situation. An evening outfit would be inappropriate for breakfast, and beach shoes would be inappropriate for work. A formal suit reserved for a cocktail party is also not comme il faut.
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Closer to fashion
But still, we should not forget that the meaning of the word “come il faut” is closest to fashion. Therefore, it is advisable to apply this term to those people who dress correctly. Today read “stylish”, “fashionable”. Therefore, we can draw a simple conclusion that the term “come il faut” has acquired other meanings: glamorous, elegant, status, stylish. If it is used to apply to a person, it means that he has an impeccable style, demeanor, and image. “Come il faut” today is already a way of life. This term is also widely used in advertising. In this case it means a positive assessment. What is worth following, what you need to pay attention to in order to be in trend.
Marker of culture, education
Today, the correct use of French words serves as a marker of the level of culture and education of the interlocutor. Compare: “Understand, such an act is not comme il faut, hurry to apologize” and: “This is not rosin,” she said. “It’s correct to say ‘not comme il faut,’” he corrected. “Isn’t this the same thing?” the girl wondered.
This is also an advertising marker. Any brand that has a word in its name or slogan is perceived as synonymous with high quality.
Comme ill faut style is always relevant: in clothing, behavior, conversation. Successful people follow it. “And everything that is not comme ill faut is something like that,” said one of the modern writers. The expression fits harmoniously into literary text, colloquial speech, even youth slang
It is only important to use it correctly so as not to hear the remark: “Sir, this is bad manners!”
