sacre
1
9.9
A French exclamation used to show surprise or frustration
- other
- /ˈsɑːkrə/
:
sagrado
- The artist's work was truly a monstre sacre in the world of modern art.
- sacre bleu
Examples
-
Hugo Claus (born 1929) is the "monstre sacre" of Flemish literature.
Fiction book (1994) -
In a playful tone, she exclaimed, "sacre bleu! I can't believe you did that!"
-
The famous Union Sacre or sacred union of old political enemies to face the German threat during the war had weakened but was still present.
-
Heard distinctly 'sacre' and 'mon Dieu.'
Academic text (1999) -
- Sacre bleu!
-
During dinner, he joked, "We should say, sacre bleu, for such a delicious meal!"
Synonyms
9.6
Relating to religious rites or ceremonies
is a French term used for emphasis and to evoke French style
How Sacred
Surface Forms
sacre main
Etymology
Sacre as an exclamation comes from the French word sacré meaning 'sacred', and it became a short, old-fashioned cry of surprise or anger. That's why English uses sacre to sound French or to show strong feeling.