Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, the celebrated American R&B and pop singer, continues to make headlines in 2023 with her groundbreaking album "Cowboy Carter." Her achievements have now secured her a place in the prestigious French encyclopedic dictionary, Petit Larousse Illustré, alongside other remarkable figures.
Each year, Larousse selects about 150 new words and notable individuals for inclusion, reflecting the ongoing cultural and linguistic evolution. This year's update will feature Beyoncé, recognized for her extraordinary contributions to music and culture. She will be listed alongside luminaries such as Christopher Nolan, director of "Oppenheimer," NBA star LeBron James, and acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett.
Carine Girac-Marinier, head of dictionaries and encyclopedias at Larousse, emphasized that the additions represent this year's significant concerns, developments, and movements, aligning with Larousse's values of promoting French culture and excellence. Beyoncé’s inclusion is particularly notable given her French origins—her name derives from her mother Tina Knowles's Louisiana Creole heritage, which traces back to the French name Beyincé.
Beyoncé's illustrious career reached new heights with the release of "Cowboy Carter," her eighth studio album, which debuted on March 29. The album announcement was made during a surprise Super Bowl commercial, featuring hits like "16 Carriages" and "Texas Hold 'Em" that quickly dominated the internet. This addition to Larousse marks another milestone in a year filled with accolades for Beyoncé, who holds the record as the most-decorated singer in Grammy history.
Previously, Beyoncé's influence on language and culture was acknowledged in 2004 when "bootylicious," popularized by Destiny's Child, was added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Her ongoing impact continues to resonate across both music and cultural landscapes, evidenced by her latest recognition in one of France’s most revered publications.