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A Gallicism can be:

• a mode of speech peculiar to the French;
• a French idiom;
• in general, a French mode or custom.
• loanwords, words or phrases borrowed from French.

In speaking or writing English, a Gallicism often results from a direct translation from French, giving an unidiomatic expression. False friends often provide occasions for Gallicisms: For example, using the verb to assist to mean to be present at (as in the French assister à) is a Gallicism.

See also

• Fowler's Modern English Usage
• Francization
• Franglais
• Gallicize
• List of English words of French origin
• List of French phrases used by English speakers

External links

• French/English false friends