The word "comme il faut" was widely used in the 19th century, but then it was gradually forgotten. However, several decades ago, it again became extremely popular. Unfortunately, this word is often used without understanding its meaning.
Comil'fo: origin and meaning
The French comme il faut literally means "as it should." This word is used when they want to emphasize that a person's attire, his actions, features of behavior, manners are fully consistent with the rules of decency. It passed into Russian from French, along with many other borrowings, just in that era when French in Russian living rooms sounded more often than their native language.
The word "comme il faut" also has a foreign antonym. We are talking about bad manners - a word that means inappropriate, indecent behavior, improperly chosen clothes and other moments that are rejected in a good society.
It is important to understand the subtle features of the meaning of the word "comme il faut". The choice of clothes, actions, rules of conduct directly depends on the situation. What is considered comme il faut in one situation turns into bad manners in another. For example, it is decent and even very appropriate to come to a festive event in a stylish evening dress. However, putting on the same clothes when going to the office is no longer comme il faut. The same goes for, for example, a shot of vodka at breakfast versus a glass of good wine at dinner.
It should be understood that in defining "comme il faut mauvais ton", it is the attitude of a decent society that is of great importance. That is, if any norms of behavior are accepted in a particular family, this does not mean that they should be demonstrated to others.
How to use the word "comme il faut" correctly
As a rule, the word "comme il faut" is used as a definition and answers the question "how", although it is both a noun and an adjective. For example, you might say, “She is not wearing comme il faut,” when it comes to a woman who chooses the wrong clothes for a particular setting.
You can combine this word with adverbs. Expressions like "not comme il faut" are widespread. However, caution is advised when using them.
In some cases, "comme il faut" is used to refer to a person who strictly follows the rules of good manners. We can say that a woman in a business suit who comes to the office is comme il faut. Conversely, a person who breaks the rules of a decent society is said to be “not comme il faut”.
Despite the fact that this word has now become very popular, it should not be used too often in speech, since it is not always appropriate, and sometimes it sounds simply indecent and ridiculous. Remember also that your interlocutors may not know its meaning.
