Word: Nom de plume
Definition: A "nom de plume" is a French term that means "pen name" in English. It is a name that an author uses instead of their real name when they write. Authors often choose a nom de plume for privacy, to create a different identity, or to write in a different genre without affecting their main work.
Usage Instructions: - Use "nom de plume" when talking about authors who write under a different name. - It is usually used in formal or literary contexts.
Example: - "Mark Twain" is the nom de plume of Samuel Clemens, an American author known for his humorous stories.
Advanced Usage: - Some authors have multiple noms de plume to explore various writing styles or genres. For example, J.K. Rowling wrote a crime novel under the nom de plume "Robert Galbraith."
Word Variants: - The term "pseudonym" is a synonym that can be used interchangeably with "nom de plume." However, "pseudonym" is a broader term that can refer to any false name used by a person, not just authors.
Different Meanings: - The literal translation of "nom de plume" is "name of the feather." The "feather" symbolizes writing, as pens were traditionally made with feathers.
Synonyms: - Pseudonym - Pen name - Alias
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - While there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "nom de plume," you might hear the phrase "to write under a pen name," which means the same as using a nom de plume.
Summary: A "nom de plume" is an author's pseudonym, a different name they use when they write. It allows them to maintain privacy or explore different types of writing.