Quebec language office OKs use of some English words like hashtag, grilled-cheese
MONTREAL — English-language words such as hashtag, grilled-cheese, and parking are now acceptable in everyday French-language conversation in Quebec society, according to guidelines recently updated by the province’s language watchdog.
The changes were implemented in January, but the revised dictionary by the Office quebecois de la langue francaise only became widely known recently.
OQLF spokesman Jean-Pierre Le Blanc said Tuesday it’s the first time the watchdog’s guidelines have been changed since 2007.
“We’re always reviewing words to see if they’re acceptable or not,” Le Blanc said in an interview. “I’m sure it’s several dozen (words) that have been anglicized.”