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In reply to the discussion: Etiquette question - [View all]

True Dough

(27,588 posts)
3. Was this in English or French?
Sun Jun 7, 2026, 07:50 PM
Jun 7

If the speakers were Anglais, could you have countered with your linguistic skills? And when they said, "Sorry, we don't understand French," you could have replied, "About as much as I understand about quantum theory."

If that didn't apply on this occasion, I have nothing witty to add. But I do think it's less than thoughtful to carry on a conversation that one or more members of a dinner party is incapable of following, at least for more than a few minutes.

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3 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Etiquette question - [View all] Mme. Defarge Jun 7 OP
After dinner brandy-and-cigars? no_hypocrisy Jun 7 #1
During the meal. Mme. Defarge Jun 7 #2
Was this in English or French? True Dough Jun 7 #3
Great advice! Mme. Defarge Jun 7 #4
A Subject I Would Never Bring Up ProfessorGAC Jun 7 #5
I'm sure it was meant to impress Mme. Defarge Jun 7 #6
Highly Likely ProfessorGAC Jun 7 #7
Formidable Mme. Defarge Jun 7 #9
"how appropriate is it?".... anciano Jun 7 #8
Merci! Mme. Defarge Jun 7 #10
I always thought people who bring up things like that were odins folly Jun 7 #11
Ah, mockery - Mme. Defarge Jun 7 #12
Inconsiderate, unless they were willing and able wnylib Jun 7 #13
Wanting to impress someone Mme. Defarge Jun 7 #14
"Inappropriate?" perhaps, indeed, "rude" is the better word. malthaussen Jun 8 #15
Actually, Mme. Defarge Jun 8 #16
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