Old French Words in English: The Norman Conquest's Lasting Legacy
After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Old French flooded into English, contributing nearly 1,748 words. These words transformed English vocabulary, especially in law, government, and cuisine.
Legal and Government Terms
Words like "court," "judge," "parliament," and "council" all came from Old French, reflecting Norman rule.
Culinary Vocabulary
French cooking culture gave us "beef," "pork," "poultry," "sauce," and hundreds of food-related words.
Social Class Distinctions
French words became associated with the upper class, while English words remained common: "mansion" vs "house," "commence" vs "begin."
Featured Words
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Conclusion
Old French didn't just influence English—it fundamentally reshaped the language, creating the rich vocabulary we use today.
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