bonheur-du-jour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Specialized (Art History, Antiques, Fine Furniture)
Quick answer
What does “bonheur-du-jour” mean?
A type of small, elegant lady's writing desk, typically of delicate construction with a raised back section containing small drawers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of small, elegant lady's writing desk, typically of delicate construction with a raised back section containing small drawers.
A specific style of French 18th-century furniture, characterized by its small size, elaborate marquetry, and a superstructure of shelves and compartments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties, primarily in specialist contexts.
Connotations
Connotes high-end antique furniture, French Rococo or Neoclassical style, craftsmanship, and luxury. It is a collector's term.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. Its frequency is confined to very specific domains like auction catalogues, museum descriptions, and histories of furniture.
Grammar
How to Use “bonheur-du-jour” in a Sentence
The [descriptor] bonheur-du-jour [verb of placement/description]A bonheur-du-jour [with/of material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bonheur-du-jour” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The auction featured a magnificent Louis XVI bonheur-du-jour.
- She collects French bonheurs-du-jour.
American English
- The museum's new acquisition is a bonheur-du-jour by Bernard van Risenburgh.
- He specializes in restoring bonheurs-du-jour.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use for this noun phrase.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use for this noun phrase.)
adjective
British English
- The bonheur-du-jour style desk was exquisitely crafted.
- A bonheur-du-jour cabinet sold for a record price.
American English
- The bonheur-du-jour design is characterized by its lightness.
- It was a bonheur-du-jour piece, not a large secrétaire.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except potentially in the business of high-end antique dealing at the expert level.
Academic
Used in art history, design history, and material culture studies when discussing 18th-century French furniture.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be referred to simply as 'an antique desk'.
Technical
The precise term used in furniture cataloguing, museum curation, and auctioneering (e.g., Christie's, Sotheby's).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bonheur-du-jour”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bonheur-du-jour”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bonheur-du-jour”
- Mispronouncing as /bɒnˈhɜːr/ or /ˈbɒnə/; misplacing the stress. Using it to describe any desk. Using it in a modern context. Treating it as a common noun without italics/quotes.
- Incorrect spelling: bon jour, boner de jour, bonheur de jour.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a strictly historical term for a specific 18th-century French furniture type. Using it for a modern desk would be incorrect and confusing.
In English, it is typically given an approximate, anglicized pronunciation (e.g., /ˌbɒnəː dʊ ˈʒʊə/), though experts familiar with French may use a more French-like pronunciation.
The name is whimsical and reflects the 18th-century French taste for sentimental and romantic names for furniture. It suggests the desk was for the lady's daily pleasures, like writing letters or poetry.
Yes. As a clearly foreign phrase not fully assimilated into English, it is conventionally italicized in formal writing: *bonheur-du-jour*.
A type of small, elegant lady's writing desk, typically of delicate construction with a raised back section containing small drawers.
Bonheur-du-jour is usually formal, specialized (art history, antiques, fine furniture) in register.
Bonheur-du-jour: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɒnəː dʊ ˈʒʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɑnər du ˈʒʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is itself a highly specific object noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BONHEUR' sounds like 'bonus' or 'good hour' - a desk for a lady's pleasant, leisurely writing time. DU-JOUR sounds like 'of the day' - fashionable for its day.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE LUXURY OF LEISURE IS A DELICATE, BEAUTIFUL OBJECT. (The desk embodies the refined, non-utilitarian pleasures of the aristocratic class.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the term 'bonheur-du-jour'?