Beaux

/ˈboʊz/ noun

Definition

The plural of beau; multiple male romantic partners or suitors, or men who serve as escorts or companions.

Etymology

French plural of beau (meaning 'beautiful' or 'handsome'), from Latin bellus. Borrowed into English in the 18th century and retained the French pronunciation and plural form rather than anglicizing to 'beaus.'

Kelly Says

English borrowed this French plural and kept it even though we usually just add -s, which shows how snooty 18th-century English speakers were about French fashion and romance—they wanted to sound sophisticated by using the 'proper' French form!

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