Cause célèbre
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- For the play of this title, see Cause Célèbre (play).
A cause célèbre (plural causes célèbres, the French for "famous cause") is an issue or incident arousing widespread controversy, outside campaigning and heated public debate.[1] The term is particularly used in connection with celebrated legal cases.[2] It is a French phrase in common English use. The phrase originated with the 37-volume Nouvelles Causes Célèbres, published in 1763.
[edit] See also
- Landmark decision
- List of French words and phrases used by English speakers
- Media circus
- Missing White Woman Syndrome
[edit] References
- ^ The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy; third edition, 2002.
- ^ The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language; fourth edition, 2000.
