Beyoncé added to new edition of French dictionary Le Petit Larousse
Beyoncé‘s first name will be included in the new edition of the French encyclopaedic dictionary Le Petit Larousse.
As Sky News reports, more than 150 new words have been added to the 120th version of the book this year.
The ‘Cowboy Carter’ star will appear as an entry alongside celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, French actor Omar Sy, Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, and French rugby captain Antoine Dupont.
Many additions “reflect concerns, developments or strong movements” in 2024, Carine Girac-Marinier, director of the dictionaries and encyclopaedias department, told French news magazine Le Point.
As Marie Claire notes, “Beyoncé” will be accompanied by the definition “American singer of R&B and pop”.
Many fans have responded to the nod on social media, with one writing: “That’s when you know you’ve succeeded.” Another person said: “Beyoncé’s influence knows no bounds!” A third user commented: “Star power.”
“Creole French queen,” wrote someone else, referring to Beyoncé’s Louisiana Creole ancestry (via Nola).
In 2004, the term “bootylicious” – featured in Destiny’s Child 2001 hit single of the same name – was added to the Oxford English Dictionary with the definition “(of a woman) sexually attractive”.
Other new additions to the Le Petit Larousse include the English phrases “fast fashion” and “skate park”, as well as “platisme” (the French term for the Flat Earth theory).
In February, Beyoncé made history by becoming the first Black woman to reach Number One on the US country chart with ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’. She later became the first Black female artist to score a Number One country album with ‘Cowboy Carter’.
The singer also achieved a UK chart double – the first act to do so with a country album and country single (via Official Charts).
In a glowing five-star review of ‘Cowboy Carter’, NME wrote: “It’s an undeniable thrill to see [Beyoncé] swing so big on a project that dares her to be so intimate and vocal-focused.”
Last month saw Beyoncé share a new “pony up” remix of ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’.
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Tom Skinner
NME
