double entente
LowInformal, sometimes used mistakenly
Definition
Meaning
An archaic or non-standard phrase sometimes used erroneously for 'double entendre'.
A mishearing or folk-etymology form of 'double entendre', primarily meaning a phrase with two interpretations, one of which is usually risqué or humorous.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Double entente" is a misconstruction, historically attested but not the standard form. The correct term is "double entendre." It carries the same dual-meaning concept, but its use marks the speaker as unfamiliar with the correct French loan phrase.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both regions predominantly use "double entendre." "Double entente" is a rare error in both, but might be slightly more recognized in older British texts due to historical linguistic influence from French.
Connotations
Using "double entente" instead of "double entendre" may be perceived as a sign of unfamiliarity with the standard term, potentially lowering the perceived sophistication of the speaker.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency compared to the dominant "double entendre." Its use is generally considered incorrect in formal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] made a double entente.The [noun phrase] contained a double entente.To [verb] with a double entente.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be lost in translation (as the phrase itself often is)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Highly unlikely; use of the incorrect form would be unprofessional.
Academic
Used only in discussions of linguistic errors or historical language use.
Everyday
Rare; if used, it's typically a mistake by a non-native speaker or someone misremembering the phrase.
Technical
Not used in any technical fields; linguistics might note it as an example of a malapropism or folk etymology.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He didn't realize his comment was a double entente until everyone laughed.
- The comedian's act relied heavily on double entente, much of which was missed by the non-native speakers in the audience.
- While 'double entente' is a common error, philologists trace its occasional appearance in 19th-century texts to a misapprehension of the French phrase 'double entendre'.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"Entente" is a diplomatic agreement. A 'double entente' would be a tricky agreement with two meanings – but that's not the word! Remember the correct 'ENTENDRE' by thinking you need to 'intend' to understand both meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A VEHICLE FOR HIDDEN MEANINGS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation yields 'двойное соглашение' which is incorrect. The correct Russian term is 'двусмысленность' or 'игра слов', often specifically 'скрытый смысл'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'double entente' instead of the correct 'double entendre'.
- Pronouncing it as if it were an English word rather than a French loan.
- Misspelling as 'double entente' in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
What is the standard, correct form of the phrase 'double entente'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not. It is a common error for the correct phrase 'double entendre', which is a loan from French meaning 'double understanding'.
It's likely a mishearing or folk etymology. 'Entente' is a more familiar French loanword in English (e.g., 'entente cordiale'), leading people to mistakenly substitute it for the less familiar 'entendre'.
It depends on the context. In casual conversation, it may be pedantic. In formal or educational settings, gently providing the correct term 'double entendre' can be helpful.
No, it has never been the standard form. Historical dictionaries and usage guides consistently list 'double entendre' as the correct term, with 'double entente' noted as an error.