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must

must-have

noun MËST Rare

Origin: English 'must' borrowed into French

Also means

must

Usage Note

Must is an anglicism used in French fashion, lifestyle, and marketing to describe something considered indispensable or essential. It is invariable — des must (no 's' added in most usage, though musts also appears). Equivalent phrases are un incontournable or un essentiel, which are preferred in formal writing.

Examples

"Ce sac est un vrai must cette saison."

Natural Translation

This bag is a real must-have this season.

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