bohème

bohemian

noun adjective bo-EM Rare

Also means

Bohemia (historical region)

Usage Note

Bohème describes a person who lives unconventionally, especially an artist or wanderer, or the lifestyle itself. As an adjective it is invariable in form. It should not be confused with bohémien/bohémienne, which refers to Romani people. Puccini's opera La Bohème fixed the word in international cultural consciousness.

Examples

"Il mène une vie de bohème dans le quartier des artistes."

Natural Translation

He leads a bohemian life in the artists' quarter.

Literal Translation

He leads a life of bohème in the artists' quarter.

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