Beau

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

I just learned that “beau” means “suitor/sweetheart”.
But do native speakers use it, or is it used strictly in literature?

Can I say “she’s on a tryst with her beau”? Or would it sound old-fashioned/literary?

Thanks!

2

It would sound very old fashioned/literary on account of the usage of both ‘tryst’ and ‘beau’.

3

I see,
Thanks.

PS: it makes using the word “beau” very appealing, because I bet hardly any non-native speaker knows it. Hehehe.
I love arcane terms that are known only to few.

4

It sounds very Jane Austen, although the word ‘beau’ is very occasionally used today. ‘Tryst’ sounds a bit mysterious and naughty.