Ménage à trois

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Ménage à trois'?

A living arrangement comprising three people (not all of the same sex) in a sexual relationship. Alternatively, a sexual liaison between such a group of people.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Ménage à trois'?

This is a French term, literally a ‘household of three’, that has made its way into English. The meaning that applies to a one-off sexual liaison rather than a domestic arrangement is also known as a threesome.

See also – other French phrases in English.

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Gary Martin

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