Boudoir Explained: How to Pronounce, Spell, and Understand Its Meaning
How do you pronounce BOUDOIR, and what does it mean?
As a boudoir photographer, I’m often asked, “What is the correct way to pronounce the word ‘boudoir?’” And I get it - it’s a tricky word to say! If you’ve ever wondered how to say the word “boudoir,” you’re not alone!
The Most Common Pronunciation of “Boudoir”
Most English speakers pronounce the word “boudoir” as Boo-dwahr.
The "boo" rhymes with "you," and the "dwahr" sounds like "far" with a soft "d" at the beginning. The "r" at the end is subtle.
How a Native French Speaker Would Say “Boudoir”
Because “boudoir” is a French a word, a native French speaker would say "boudoir" as bood-wahr (/bu.dwaʁ/), with a very soft “r” at the end. This “r” sound is not found in the English language, but is common in French. It is a soft, guttural sound produced at the back of the throat rather than rolled or pronounced harshly. If you're aiming for authenticity, practicing this subtle "r" will help you sound like a native French speaker.
“Boo-dwahr” or “Bood-wah?”
You may notice that some English speakers say "boo-dwhar," while others say "bood-wah" (with no “r” at the end at all. Both pronunciations are commonly used, and neither is necessarily wrong. "Boo-dwahr" is more common with English speakers, while "bood-wah" leans closer to the French pronunciation.
The Meaning of the Word “Boudoir”
The word "boudoir" dates back to 1775–85 and comes from the French verb “bouder,” which means “to sulk” or "to pout." Originally, a “boudoir” was a small, private room where a woman could retreat to be alone or entertain close friends. In essence, it was considered a “sulking place,” reflecting its origins as a secluded and intimate space. The word indicated a woman's private sitting room or dressing area in French homes. Over time, the term evolved beyond its literal meaning and became associated with luxury, femininity, and, eventually, boudoir photography.
From https://www.merriam-webster.com/
From https://www.dictionary.com/
Boudoir photography is a style of intimate, sensual, and sometimes erotic photography typically featuring subjects in lingerie, sleepwear, or other revealing clothing.
The purpose of boudoir photography is to celebrate the subject’s beauty and confidence, often in a private or intimate setting like a bedroom (hence "boudoir"). While boudoir sessions focuses on sensuality and allure, the goal is usually to empower the person being photographed, helping them feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Many people book boudoir sessions as gifts for partners, or simply as a way to celebrate themselves.
How to Spell the Word “Boudoir”
Spelling "boudoir" correctly can be tricky since it's a borrowed French word with a unique letter combination. Here’s the correct spelling: B-O-U-D-O-I-R.
Common misspellings of the word “boudoir” include:
Boudwar
Boodoir
Boudoire
Boudior
Boudwar
Boodwar
Boudwoir
Boudwier
Boudwahr
Boudouir
If you ever get stuck, one tip is that that "boudoir" contains "bou" (like "boutique") and "doir" (which sounds like "dwar").
Are you interested in learning more about boudoir photography? Let’s chat!