Beyoncé’s Name to Be Added to French Encyclopedic Dictionary

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter continues her monumental year with another accolade: her name is to be added to the renowned French encyclopedic dictionary Petit Larousse Illustré. This honor coincides with the success of her latest album, Cowboy Carter, showcasing the global impact of the singer and marking a significant cultural recognition.

Beyoncé’s Inclusion in Petit Larousse

Joining a list of 40 distinguished individuals, Beyoncé will be defined as an “American singer of R&B and pop,” highlighting her influence on the music industry. The artist rose to fame in the 1990s, but she’s been singing since a young age.

The annual update of Petit Larousse identifies around 150 notable words and personalities, with Beyoncé sharing the spotlight with luminaries such as director Christopher Nolan, NBA legend LeBron James, and actor Cate Blanchett.

French Dictionary Honors Beyoncé’s Heritage

Carine Girac-Marinie, head of dictionaries and encyclopedias at Larousse, stated that the new entries reflect significant contemporary movements and figures.

These additions align with the values of the company, which celebrates excellence and promotes French culture. Beyoncé’s inclusion is particularly meaningful given her Louisiana Creole heritage, which links her name to French origins, honoring her family’s legacy.

From New Terms to Cultural Icon

Beyoncé’s influence on language is not new. In 2004, “bootylicious,” a term popularized by her group Destiny’s Child in a song of the same name, was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

With the release of Cowboy Carter on March 29th, Beyoncé has solidified her position as the most decorated singer in Grammy history. The album, announced in a surprise Super Bowl commercial, includes hit singles “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” which quickly dominated the charts. The addition of her name to Petit Larousse Illustré is yet another milestone in a year filled with remarkable achievements for the iconic artist.