faineant
pronunciation
How to pronounce faineant in British English:
UK ['feɪnɪənt]
How to pronounce faineant in American English:
US ['feɪnɪrnt]
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- Adjective:
- disinclined to work or exertion
Word Origin
- faineant (adj.)
- 1855; earlier as a noun (1610s); from French fainéant (16c.) "do-nothing," from fait, third person singular of faire "to do" (from Latin facere "to make, do;" see factitious) + néant "nothing" (compare dolce far niente). According to OED this is a French folk-etymology alteration of Old French faignant (14c.), present participle of faindre "to feign" (see feign). Applied in French to the late Merovingian kings, puppets in the hands of the palace mayors. Related: Faineance "the habit of doing nothing."
Example
- 1. Under those faineant kings the country languished .
- 2. Some armour is blackguardly , all day faineant , cheat a meal to eat everywhere .
- 3. Returned old home a few days ago , discover one has building craft quite when friend small yin zaijia is faineant , feel very feel puzzled .