Teaching students about du jour, or “of the day,” is an important part of language learning and understanding how language evolves over time. Understanding the origins and meanings of du jour phrases can also help students navigate modern culture and participate in conversations with ease.
One of the best ways to introduce students to du jour phrases is to provide examples from current events. For example, discussing recent political news can lead to a discussion of the phrase “fake news du jour” or “scandal du jour,” which refer to the latest in a series of sensational stories.
Another way to teach about du jour is to expose students to popular culture. Many popular songs, movies, and TV shows contain du jour references that can be analyzed for their meaning and context. For example, the song “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X features the line “Cowboy hat from Gucci, Wrangler on my booty,” which references the current popularity of Western-style fashion.
It’s also important to provide historical context when teaching about du jour phrases. Some phrases have been around for centuries, while others are more recent inventions. For example, the phrase “flavor du jour” has been around since at least the 1950s, while the phrase “FOMO du jour” (“fear of missing out of the day”) is a relatively new addition to the lexicon. Understanding the history of these phrases can help students understand how language changes over time.
Finally, it’s important to help students create their own du jour phrases. By encouraging creativity and critical thinking, students can learn to recognize and create the language patterns that define modern culture. This can involve brainstorming sessions, creative writing exercises, or even encouraging students to come up with their own social media hashtags.
Overall, teaching about du jour is an important part of language learning. By providing examples from current events, analyzing popular culture, providing historical context, and encouraging creativity, students can learn to navigate modern language with ease and confidence. And in a world where language is constantly evolving, these skills are more valuable than ever.
