You may have heard the term ‘menage a trois’ during a conversation and wondered what the speaker was referring to. We are going to take a look at the meaning behind this saying and how it can be used during a conversation and within a sentence. We will also look at the origin of the saying.
“Menage a Trois” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
The phrase “ménage à trois” is a French term that translates to “household of three” in English. It typically refers to a romantic or sexual relationship involving three people.
PinMenage a Trois – Created by 7ESL
“Menage a Trois” Meaning
The phrase “ménage à trois” is a French term that literally translates to “household of three.” In a more colloquial context, it refers to a romantic or sexual relationship involving three people, typically in a consensual arrangement where all parties are aware of and agree to the relationship.
Examples:
“They decided to explore a ménage à trois to add some excitement to their relationship.”
“The movie portrayed a complex ménage à trois among its main characters.”
Origin of This Idiom
The phrase “ménage à trois” originates from French, where “ménage” means “household” and “trois” means “three.” It has been used since the late 19th century to refer to a household involving three people, particularly in a romantic or sexual context.
Usage of “Menage a Trois”
In a discussion about relationships:
“After much consideration, they agreed to try a ménage à trois, believing it could strengthen their bond.”
Talking about a movie or book:
“The film explored the complexities of a ménage à trois, delving into the emotions and challenges faced by the characters.”
In a conversation about lifestyle choices:
“Some people are open to the idea of a ménage à trois as a way to experience love and intimacy differently.”
During a humorous exchange:
“He joked that dating two people at once might lead to a ménage à trois, but he wasn’t sure how to manage it.”
Related Terms to “Menage a Trois”
Threesome – a sexual encounter involving three people, typically referring to a casual relationship.
Triad – a committed relationship involving three partners, often with an emotional connection among all.
Polyamory – the practice of engaging in multiple consensual romantic relationships simultaneously, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved.
Group sex – sexual activity involving multiple participants, which can include various configurations beyond three people.
Open relationship – a relationship in which partners agree to engage in sexual or romantic relationships with other people.
Swinging – a lifestyle where couples engage in sexual activities with others, often in a social setting.
Menage – a general term for a household or group of people living together, sometimes used in a broader context than just three individuals.
Three-way – an informal term used to describe a sexual encounter or relationship involving three people.
Thruple – a term combining “three” and “couple,” referring to a romantic relationship involving three people.
Compersion – the feeling of joy when seeing one’s partner happy in another relationship, often discussed in the context of non-monogamous relationships.
Other Ways to Say “Menage a Trois”
There are other ways you can say the term ‘menage a trois’ using different wording. Here are some examples of other things you could say which mean the same thing.
Threesome
Threeway
Polygamy
“Menage a Trois” Examples
Examples in Statements
This first statement is being made during a news report.
‘We visited Mr Brown and his two wives who say they are happy living as a menage a trois.’
The next statement is being said by a friend about another friend.
‘Did you hear what Clive got up to last weekend? He had a menage a trois.’
Conversation Examples
There may be many times that the term ‘menage a trois’ will be heard in a conversation. Here are some examples to show how it might sound.
The first conversation is between two friends.
Person 1: “I am thinking about ending my relationship with Phil.”
Person 2: “Why on earth would you do that? I thought you really liked him.”
Person 1: “I do, but last week he asked me if I would take part in a menage a trois and I’m totally not into that.”
This next conversation is occurring between a husband and wife.
Person 1: “There is a new family moving in next door.”
Person 2: “Is there, do you know anything about them?”
Person 1: “Only that they’re living in a menage a trois, one husband and two wives.”
B2Knowledge Check · 5 questions
“Menage a Trois” Meaning, Origin and Examples — Practice Quiz
1 / 5
Q1
Question 1: What does the French phrase "ménage à trois" literally translate to in English?
Q2
Question 2: The phrase "ménage à trois" has been used in English since the early 17th century.
Q3
Question 3: Which sentence uses "ménage à trois" correctly?
Q4
Question 4: Match each related term to its correct definition.
Q5
Question 5: In the conversation example from the article, why does Person 1 consider ending her relationship with Phil?
