Chansonnette

/ʃænsɔnˈɛt/ noun

Definition

A female singer, especially one who specializes in performing chansons or French popular songs.

Etymology

French variant of chansonette, from chanson (song) + -ette (feminine diminutive). Used interchangeably with chansonette in English.

Kelly Says

This spelling variation shows how French words sometimes have multiple English spellings depending on how strictly people tried to preserve the French pronunciation and accent marks.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Variant spelling of chansonette; same diminutive feminization pattern encoding gender hierarchy into vocabulary for female singers.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'chanson performer' or 'cabaret singer.' If reclaiming historical term, contextualize: 'These chansonettes reshaped French popular music despite linguistic diminishment.'

Inclusive Alternatives

["cabaret singer","chanson performer","vocalist"]

Empowerment Note

Women chansonettes pioneered interpretive approaches to French popular song that remain foundational to cabaret and musical theater traditions.

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