Bon vivant

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Grammarist

Bon vivant is a loan phrase. We will look at the definition of the term bon vivant, where it came from, and some examples of its use in sentences.

A bon vivant is a person who lives life to the fullest; a bon vivant is extremely gregarious and enjoys the social life. A bon vivant partakes in a luxurious lifestyle, indulging in good food, good drink, posh accommodations, and extreme entertainment. The term bon vivant is borrowed from the French and entered the English language in the 1600s. Bon vivant translates as one who lives well; the plural form is bon vivants.

Examples

The exhibit is dedicated to Charlotte Williams, a LeMoyne Arts founding force, quilter, artist and bon vivant who was one of the first subjects photographed and who died in January 2020. (Tallahassee Democrat)

Minneapolis bon vivant Kitty Fahey is desperately hoping to get into Sunday’s ceremony for the 74th Annual Tony Awards. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

He was a printer, politician, postmaster, diplomat, scientist, inventor, vegetarian, musician, Freemason, slave owner, abolitionist, newspaper owner and editor, Declaration of Independence signatory, securer of vital foreign supplies for Washington’s army, and noted international bon vivant. (Kingsport Times-News)