Two New Arabic Words Added to Le Petit Robert Dictionary
Two new words from the Arabic language, "chakchouka" and "zaatar", have been integrated into the digital version of the Le Petit Robert dictionary, a benchmark reference in French lexicography. Their inclusion in the printed version is planned for the 2026 edition, according to the latest update of the dictionary's official application.
This decision is part of the dictionary's annual update, which welcomes several hundred new terms each year, reflecting the evolution of contemporary French and the constant enrichment of the language through foreign cultural and linguistic contributions.
A Culinary Richness Behind Many Arabic Entries
The two new additions - chakchouka, a Maghrebi dish made with tomatoes, peppers, and eggs, and zaatar, a popular spice blend in the Levant - join a long list of Arabic words already integrated into French dictionaries, particularly in the culinary field.
Terms like tabbouleh, hummus, falafel, tagine, couscous, harissa, and chorba are now an integral part of the French gastronomic lexicon, testifying to the growing influence of Middle Eastern and North African cultures on the French language and daily life.
This evolution is part of a broader dynamic where the French language is gradually incorporating words from foreign languages, particularly in the fields of gastronomy, technology, and lifestyles. Arabic, with centuries of cultural exchange, is one of the most contributing languages, alongside English, Italian, and Spanish.
Le Petit Robert, recognized for its rigor and responsiveness to language evolution, plays a leading role in the official recognition of these popular terms in everyday usage.
