parleyvoo

/ ˌpɑːlɪˈvuː /

verb

1. to speak French

noun

1. the French language
2. a Frenchman

Word History and Origins

Origin of parleyvoo¹

C20: jocular respelling of parlez-vous ( français ) ? do you speak (French)?

Example Sentences

There's not a man among my prisoners, thank the Lord, who's not a Parleyvoo.'

From Project Gutenberg

Now, Mister Parleyvoo—can't you do something to amuse the company?

From Project Gutenberg

“Not me, faith,” sez I. “If it’s duellin’ ye want you’ll have to go to another shop, Monsieur Parleyvoo, for it ain’t in my line.

From Project Gutenberg

The sleek, pomaded Parleyvoo   Will air his sweetest airs And quote the highest rates when you   "Comme bien" for his wares; And, though the German stolid be,   His so-called heart of steel Becomes as soft as wax when he   Detects the words "Wie viel."

From Project Gutenberg

I can't parleyvoo with him, but he's an honest rogue for a Frenchman, and 'twas he brought off my young Lord.

From Project Gutenberg