Meaning

Ménage à trois

The meaning of the phrase

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.

Ménage à trois

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.

Historical trend

“Ménage à trois” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1920–2020).

192019401960198020002020
  • Ménage à trois