Lorelei
The French word Lorelei refers to a siren or a temptress.
Meaning: siren, temptress (noun)
Did you know?
- While Lorelei is used in French to describe a temptress, it originates from a German legend about a rock on the Rhine river where a siren lured sailors to their doom.
- In French, describing a woman as a Lorelei can imply she is not just charming, but actively 'perilous' to a man's social or physical well-being. It suggests a beauty that leads to unavoidable ruin.
- In French discussions of art, a Lorelei figure is identified by the combination of beauty and a 'chant' (song) that acts as a weapon, emphasizing the auditory trap over visual beauty.
Examples in context
- Salut Lorelei, comment ça va aujourd'hui ?Hi Lorelei, how are you doing today?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing a mysterious woman at a party.
- GabrielRegarde Manon, elle attire tout le monde.Look Manon, she is attracting everyone.
- ManonC'est vrai, elle est comme une Lorelei.It's true, she is like a siren.
- GabrielJe pense qu'elle est très dangereuse.I think she is very dangerous.
- ManonC'est pour cela qu'on l'appelle ainsi.That is why she is called that.
