Word-Wise. Bete Noire

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Word of the Day for Tuesday, November 6, 2007

bete noire \bet-NWAHR\, noun:

Something or someone particularly detested or avoided; a bugbear.

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Reply #1 Top

This is a hard one because I keep wanting to use it as an adjective....

Currently in Ohio there is an outbreak of bedbugs, one of the bete noires of life.

Reply #2 Top
Bete noire. Hmmmm...sometimes I think that word is my JU handle.
Reply #3 Top

I think French words are bete noire...having all those letters you don't pronounce, detestable.

~Zoo

Reply #4 Top
Bete noire. Hmmmm...sometimes I think that word is my JU handle.


ROFL!!! NO WAY!! I'm right behind you too!!


That's an interesting word Tonya! I'll try to remember it but using it in a sentence right now.....

I can only think of Roy's comments that's so fitting for me right now!!
Reply #5 Top
Great word. Literally translated, it means 'black beast'.

Organised crime has been the bete noire of police services since their inception.
Reply #6 Top

I think French words are bete noire...having all those letters you don't pronounce, detestable.

If you think french is Bete Noire, you must really hate English!