Pronunciation: [bˈiːʒuː] (IPA) 
The word "bijou" is often misspelled due to its French origin and unusual pronunciation. The correct spelling is B-I-J-O-U, with the first syllable sounding like "bee" and the second syllable sounding like "zhu," as in the sound of the letter "j" in the French language. The correct phonetic transcription is /ˈbi.ʒu/. Bijou refers to a small, elegant piece of jewelry, and it has been used in English since the mid-18th century.
Bijou is a word of French origin that is primarily used as an adjective to describe something small, delicate, and elegant. It can also be used as a noun referring to a small, jewel-like object or an intimate, cozy place.
As an adjective, bijou is often used to describe intricate and dainty items, particularly in the context of jewelry or fashion. It suggests a sense of refined taste and beauty associated with small-scale objects or spaces. For example, a bijou necklace may be adorned with intricate details and delicate gemstones.
When used as a noun, bijou refers to a small, exquisite item. It can refer to jewelry pieces such as rings, brooches, or pendants that display exceptional craftsmanship and are often embellished with precious stones or intricate designs. Additionally, in the context of architecture or interior design, a bijou might refer to a small, charmingly decorated space, like a cozy café or an intimate theater.
Overall, the term bijou conveys the idea of something small yet remarkable, often highlighting the craftsmanship, beauty, and attention to detail associated with fine objects or spaces. Its usage evokes a sense of elegance and sophistication, emphasizing the preciousness of the subject being described.
A jewel; a trinket.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "bijou" comes from the French language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old French word "bijou" or "joue", meaning "jewel" or "precious object". It derived from the Latin word "bēlus", meaning "precious stone" or "ornament", which itself came from the Classical Greek word "bēlos", meaning "projecting point" or "missile". Over time, the term "bijou" has been adopted by English speakers to refer to a small, elegant, and valuable piece of jewelry or any other object of personal adornment.
