Beyonce, a seminal figure in the arts and acting, and no less a trailblazer, has now become a literal part of the lexicon.
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According to The Sunday Times, Beyonce’s name has been enshrined in the latest version of a French dictionary.
The celebrated musician and icon recently unveiled her eighth studio offering, “Country Carter,” and she has been immortalized as a noun in the 2024 iteration of Petit Larousse Illustré.
Described as an ‘American R&B and pop singer,’ Beyonce finds herself in the company of other luminaries selected for the latest installment of this revered publication.
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At 42, the “Crazy In Love” songstress joins the ranks of 40 eminent figures from both France and abroad, who have been enshrined in this year’s edition of the encyclopedic reference work.
Selections for the dictionary are meticulously made by an expert jury, who annually propose a list of 150 terms and personalities to be ratified by the publication’s authorities.
Criteria for inclusion require recognition by the French-speaking public and an alignment with Petit Larousse’s esteemed values — epitomizing excellence and championing French culture.
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Beyonce’s inclusion also nods to her personal cultural heritage — The Times points out that both of her maternal grandparents were Louisiana Creoles, fluent in French.
This distinction arrives two decades post the Oxford English dictionary’s incorporation of “Bootylicious,” a term associated with Beyonce since Destiny’s Child released the eponymous global hit in 2002, defined as ‘sexually attractive.’
Amidst a whirlwind season, news of the dictionary addition coincides with the impact of Beyonce’s latest album, “Country Carter,” a monolithic success that has crowned her as the first Black female artist to top the country charts.
The album’s tracklist includes a rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” which received an enthusiastic thumbs-up from the country legend herself.
After releasing the album, Parton, 78, took to social media: “Wow, I just heard Jolene. Beyonce is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it! Love Dolly P,” penned the iconic songwriter, following the lyrical reinterpretations of her classic tune.
Furthermore, the Destiny’s Child veteran is slated for a screen comeback later this year, lending her voice to Nala in the animated feature “Mufasa: The Lion King.”
