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Originally Posted by RickyMaveety
Hmmm .... well, that must be tough for them. I mean, so much of English is taken from French, I wouldn't even know where to divide the two languages up. You could very easily have a French based word, that has come into common use in English, gets corrupted in English (think maison and mansion), and then sneaks into English slang from there. So, wouldn't it sort of be full circle if it wandered back into France??
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yes, it would, and is ; that happens, although i don't have any examples in my head right now (i'll let you know if i think of one).
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The hotdog thing I really don't get. I mean a hotdog is NOT a hot dog. To force a literal translation on the French people is just plain mean spirited.
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well, where did that weird name come from in english then ??? it's just as weird, whatever the language !
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Also, I don't know how many languages have gerunds, but really, I think that is one of the best things going about the English language. They make for such a compact way of expressing yourself.
Of course, I suppose that's why English is not known as the language of romance .... it does tend to be rather cut to the chase. 
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actually i agree with you that english does have some very admirable qualities and sometimes it's a bit frustrating not to be able to say something in that very direct way you can in english. on the other hand, often it's frustrating not to be able to express something in english the precise way i would mean it in french, as well. they both have their strengths and weaknesses. but what you say is precisely why (in my opinion) the noir detective novel was first written in english. you *can* write a noir story in french, but i don't think it comes as naturally.