Quote by Fred A. Allen
The American arrives in Paris with a few French phrases he has culled from a conversational guide or picked up from a friend who owns a beret.
Summary
This quote humorously highlights the stereotypical image of an American tourist in Paris and their limited knowledge of the French language. It suggests that the American may have only learned a few basic phrases from a guidebook or a friend, perhaps in an attempt to fit in or appear more cultured. The quote pokes fun at the idea that simply knowing a few phrases associated with French culture, such as wearing a beret, is enough to blend in or understand the language and intricacies of Parisian life.