Foreign words

If it's actually foreign, then yes, underline it. "mais oui" -- yes. "croissant" -- no... it's become a common term in English such as cafe latte.

Underline? I thought such words were supposed to be in italics...

Stijn Hommes said:

Underline? I thought such words were supposed to be in italics...

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Underline in manuscript = italics in book

What Dawnstorm said.

Stijn Hommes said:

Underline? I thought such words were supposed to be in italics...

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Today it's fine to just use italics, unless specifically instructed to do otherwise.

One of those minor points that writers tend to argue about endlessly, but are highly unlikely to make or break a sale...

I assume this would also apply to a life story as a recent transplant to Mexico? Since more Spanish words than French are common in the US, where should I draw the line on italicizing/underlining?

Melanie,

The general guideline, at least from my experience, is that it's entirely dependent on the commonality of the word (similar to the "maisonette" issue mentioned above). Some Spanish words have actually been appropriated into American English by now, and so wouldn't get any special treatment. But if it's something that's not likely to be widely understood by an American reader, it could be italicized with a clear conscience. Although there are regional differences, it's a reasonable starting point.

Thanks pconsidine, I was thinking along the same line. Since I'm so used to spanish now, perhaps I'll run the questionable words by my mom.

Yeah, I generally have to make sure I only write English-speaking characters. I used to know Spanish and French and one point, but it's been so long, now all I know is Franish. Or perhaps Sprench.

(As an aside, are you a Shawshank Redemption fan, by any chance? )

pconsidine said:

(As an aside, are you a Shawshank Redemption fan, by any chance? )

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Of course! And anyone who makes that connection gets bonus points! So far you are only the third person to make the connection without my help, so be proud.

As for the spanglish, I'm tempted to leave it out, but as I'm not fluent, the language barrier is a whole chapter, at least.