Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Billet-doux"
Episode Information
- Title: Billet-doux
- Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
- Host: Peter Sokolowski
- Release Date: February 14, 2025
Introduction to "Billet-doux"
In the February 14th episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the romantic and historically rich term "billet-doux." Pronounced either as billet-doo or biedouz, and spelled as two hyphenated words reflecting its French origin (BILLET-doux), this term adds a touch of elegance to the modern vocabulary surrounding expressions of love.
Definition and Pronunciation
Peter Sokolowski begins by clarifying the pronunciation and spelling of the word:
"Today's word is billet-doux, also pronounced billet-doo and spelled as two hyphenated words as they would be in French—B I L L E T hyphen D O U X." (00:05)
He defines billet-doux as a noun meaning a love letter, emphasizing its romantic connotation compared to the more commonly used term.
Pluralization and Usage Variations
Exploring its grammatical usage, Sokolowski explains:
"The word's plural is spelled with an 's' at the end of the first word of this compound and is sometimes pronounced the same as the singular, sometimes pronounced as biedouz." (00:20)
This flexibility in pronunciation adds a layer of charm and adaptability to the term, making it suitable for various contexts in romantic correspondence.
Literary Example
To illustrate its usage, Sokolowski references a sentence from The New York Times by John McWhorter:
"Batiste movement 11, the composition of his that's nominated for a Grammy in a classical category, is nearly two minutes of intense, pensive joy tinctured with darkness of the kind that people send to each other as a billet-doux." (00:45)
This example not only showcases the word in a literary context but also connects it to contemporary culture through music and awards, highlighting its enduring relevance.
Practical Applications
Sokolowski offers practical advice on incorporating billet-doux into personal life:
"When love is in the air, it's time to put it down on paper. If you ever find yourself having trouble thinking of Valentine's Day or anniversary gift ideas, how about sending your sweetie pie a billet-doux that reminds them of your perfect meet cute or invites them to see the latest rom-com?" (01:10)
By suggesting the use of billet-doux for special occasions, Sokolowski emphasizes the timeless appeal of handwritten love letters, encouraging listeners to embrace this heartfelt form of communication.
Historical Context and Etymology
Delving into the word's origins, Sokolowski provides a brief history:
"In French, billet doux means sweet letter. English writers first fell in love with the word during the 17th century and have been committed to using it as a romantic alternative to love letter ever since." (01:40)
This historical insight not only enriches the listener's understanding of the term but also underscores its longstanding association with romance and affection.
Conclusion and Further Engagement
Wrapping up the episode, Sokolowski invites listeners to engage further with Merriam-Webster's offerings:
"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit merriam-webster.com today for definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups." (02:00)
By directing listeners to the website, he encourages continuous learning and exploration of language, reinforcing the podcast's mission to empower listeners with daily word knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Billet-doux is a French-derived noun meaning love letter, pronounced as billet-doo or biedouz.
- The term has been embraced by English writers since the 17th century as a romantic alternative to "love letter."
- Billet-doux can be used in various contexts, from personal correspondence to literary examples, adding a touch of sophistication to expressions of love.
- Incorporating billet-doux into special occasions like Valentine's Day or anniversaries can enhance the emotional significance of the gesture.
Notable Quotes
- "When love is in the air, it's time to put it down on paper." – Peter Sokolowski (01:10)
- "English writers first fell in love with the word during the 17th century and have been committed to using it as a romantic alternative to love letter ever since." – Peter Sokolowski (01:40)
Engage with Merriam-Webster For those inspired to explore more about "billet-doux" or discover new words, visit merriam-webster.com for comprehensive definitions, engaging wordplay, and the latest trending word lookups.