billet doux
Definition
Noun: A short, personal, and often romantic letter, typically expressing affection or love, sent to a beloved person.
Usage
The term "billet doux" is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned or literary word for a love letter. It is used to describe a private, affectionate written message. - She discovered a stack of old billets doux tied with a ribbon in the attic. - He slipped a billet doux into her book before she left.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia, classic romance, or a bygone era of courtship.
- It can be used humorously or ironically to describe an overly sentimental or florid love note.
Variants and Related Words
- Love letter (n): The direct and more common English equivalent for a billet doux.
- Note (n): A more general term for a short, informal letter, which can be affectionate.
- Missive (n): A formal or literary term for a letter, not necessarily romantic.
Synonyms
- Love letter
- Valentine
- Note of affection
Idioms and Related Phrases
- To send/pass a billet doux: To send a love note, often secretly.
- The suitor found a way to pass a billet doux to his lady during the ball.
Noun
-
a personal letter to a loved one expressing affection
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