The San Francisco call., 1899-10-25
1. NEW WORDS AND HOW TO
USE THEM.
(Continued.)

AS a rule it is unwise to use foreign
word if an English word will express the
intended meaning. There are, however, a
few foreign words which have come into
common use and for which there are no
English equivalents. Our tendency in
language as we'll as in business is toward
short cuts When foreign word will
express what in English would require an
elaborate sentence the foreign word is to
be preferred-that is, of course, if the lis
tener understands its meaning. Note the
following:
Esprit de corps. Pronounced 'es-pre-de-
core Esprit means spirit. This trench
phrase is commonly used by Englsh-speak-
ing people in the sense OF common deVot-
edness, sympathy or support among the
members of an association or military
company or of any body of men united
for any purpose. Thus we may say, THE
esprit de corps of the London police is
worthy of imitation"
Coup d detat. Pronounced "coo-day-tah,
with the last syllable accented: "A bold or
brilliant stroke of craftsmanship an un-
expected stroke of policy. A daring move
by which one political party outwits or
defeats another
Finesse. Pronounced "fi-ness,' with the
second syllable accented. This word in
French means "fineness, and is COM
monty used by English-speaking people to
denote artfulness, craft or adroitness; that
quality of mind which leads to subtle
actions. Note this illustration: Her use
of finesse in the most trivial affairs gave
one the impression of being constantly
duped or imposed upon"
Wade mecum. Pronounced "va-de-me-
kum." A book or article which person
carries with him as constant companion.
1t may be a Baedeker or perhaps flask
| of brandy.
| Siesta. Pronounced "see-es-ta." A nap
or period of rest in the middle of the day.
The hour of siesta is strictly observed in
| the warm countries of Southern Europe.
Bette noir Pronounced "bate-nWor.'
The literal meaning is black beast" The
expression is commonly used to denote a
pet dislike, something which makes Us
| especially uncomfortable.
| These are sufficient to illustrate the
point Let us now look at few English
words which we may find to our advan-
| tage to add to our vocabulary. There is
no copyright on language. Words are
that we use them correctly
Cynic. Pronounced as spelled. This
word originally meant doglike. A cynic
is a sneering faultfinder. He shows a
disposition to disbelieve or doubt the sin
cerity Of others. We say man is cynical
or that he makes cynical remark, or
has cynical laugh, when we refer to
some relation or expression or intimatior
which questions the motives or thoughts
/ of others.
Optimist Pronounced as spelled. An
optlmist is one who believes in the ulti-
mate supremacy of good over evil. He
always hopes for and expects the best
! He has a large and broad outlook. His
hopeful disposition keeps him in the best
of cheer
Pessimist. Pronounced "pess-i-mist,' y
with the accent upon the first syllable.
This word means the opposite of "opti.
mist" A pessimist is one who exagger-
ates the evils of life, or who Is disposed
to look only on the dark side of things.
He takes melancholy or depressing view
of life. pessimist in religion believes
! that this world is bad and its tendency is
to grow worse rather than better.
| Cant. Affectation In language. If it is
evident to the educated or cultured or ex-
perienced man that particular writer or
speaker does not really mean what he
says, does not act 1t out in his own life;
! that he is simply making a respectable
show of words or of thought for appear
! ance sake; if this is clear, the speech OF
/ article is properly called political or re-
/ ligious cant. The word signifies a whin-
! ing pretension Of goodness; an insincere