On Writing: To E Or Not To E

In my current WIP, I've had to use the word "fiancé" at least twice. It got me thinking about the French origins of that word and two other specific words I regularly see misused. Today's short post is to clarify the correct spelling and use of those words.

blond/blonde

brunet/brunette

fiancé/fiancée

There is a difference. These are all examples of gendered words, and while they mean the same thing in each spelling, the spelling is significant. That "e" at the end of each word signifies the feminine.

A blond is a man with yellow hair; a blonde is a woman with yellow hair. A brunet is a man, a brunette is a woman. A fiancé is a man engaged to be married, a fiancée is a woman engaged to be married.

As with any other word: if you're going to use it, use it correctly.