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bon vivant was our Word of the Day on 05/04/2012. Hear the podcast!
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Examples of bon vivant in a Sentence
a bon vivant who loves to hold dinner parties and serve exquisite, elaborate meals
Did You Know?
Fans of fine French wine and cuisine won't be surprised to hear that the French language gave us a number of words for those who enjoy good living and good eating. Gourmet, gourmand, and gastronome come from French, as does bon vivant. In the late 17th century, English speakers borrowed this French phrase, which literally means "good liver." No, we don't mean liver, as in that iron-rich food your mother made you eat. We mean liver, as in "one who lives" - in this case, "one who lives well."
Origin and Etymology of bon vivant
French, literally, good liver
First Known Use: 1674
BON VIVANT Defined for English Language Learners
bon vivant
playDefinition of bon vivant for English Language Learners
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: a person who likes going to parties and other social occasions and who enjoys good food, wine, etc.
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