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Why is April 1 a Fool's Day English Edification Enrichment (28)


Why do we play practical jokes on April 1 ?

There are several theories regarding this. I understand that many European countries for a very long time celebrated New Year's Day on April 1 .

Things changed however when the Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian calendar. New Year's Day was shifted from April 1 to January 1 . But some people who either didn't know about this change or refused to accept it, continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1. Such people were thought to be fools and they soon became the butt of practical jokes. They were sent silly gifts and were invited to parties that were not going to take place.

What is the meaning of "fait accompli"?

First, let's deal with the pronunciation.

The first word "fait" is pronounced like the word "fate".

The "a" in "accompli" is like the "a" in "amount", "allow" and "aloud". The following "o" is like the "o" in "cot", "pot", and "hot", while the final "i" is like the "ee" in "beef", "feel", and "feet". The main stress is on the second syllable of "accompli". This is one way of pronouncing the word.

When you say that something is a "fait accompli" what it implies is that a decision regarding a matter has already been made and cannot be changed. There is no point in discussing it or arguing against it. The expression is French in origin.

Here are a few examples.

* George married a woman his parents disapproved of and presented them with a fait accompli.
* When they realized they were being presented a fait accompli, the members became very angry.

Thanks & Regards.

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