DEAR ABBY: I am wondering about the use of the term "fiancee." Urban Dictionary says it is now considered a "White Trash culture" term for a long-term girlfriend. I'm beginning to hear it used more and more often by people I certainly would not think of as white trash. Is there another way to refer to a significant other when no wedding is planned or a date set? Do other cultures or languages have a word for this? -- WONDERING ABOUT WORDS
DEAR WONDERING: "Fiancee" is a word of French origin that is defined as "a woman engaged to be married." When couples cohabitate with no plan to marry, the term they often use when referring to their significant other is "partner." Of course, our culture is more liberal than some others that label those who choose to live this way as "fornicators." While other cultures may have terms for it, I am unfamiliar with them.