parleyvoo

/ ˌpɑːlɪˈvuː /

verb

1. to speak French

noun

1. the French language
2. a Frenchman

Word History and Origins

Origin of parleyvoo¹

C20: jocular respelling of parlez-vous ( français ) ? do you speak (French)?

Example Sentences

I can't parleyvoo with him, but he's an honest rogue for a Frenchman, and 'twas he brought off my young Lord.

From Project Gutenberg

And Parleyvoo Pickens, the wrong reverend, writes out a marriage certificate, and farmer and farmeress sign it as witnesses.

From Project Gutenberg

Aw dooant parleyvoo, awm throo Yorksher; cannot yo spaik plain English?

From Project Gutenberg

Aw dooant care whether it's poisin' or parleyvoo-in', awl bet his heead comes off schews ha!

From Project Gutenberg