Pronunciation: [pˈɑːlɪvˌuː] (IPA) 
The word "parleyvoo" is often misspelled due to its French origins. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the correct spelling of this word is /pɑːliːˈvuː/. The first syllable is pronounced as "par-lee", with the stress falling on the second syllable. The "voo" at the end is pronounced like "voo" in "kangaroo". Overall, "parleyvoo" is not a commonly used word, but it is important to spell it correctly when needed.
"Parleyvoo" is a phonetic rendering of the French phrase "parlez-vous," meaning "do you speak?" It is typically used colloquially or humorously to refer to a pidgin, broken, or heavily accented version of the French language. The term is often encountered in English-speaking contexts to mimic or mock attempts at speaking French by individuals who have a limited familiarity with the language.
The term "parleyvoo" has gained popularity through its usage in comedic sketches, theatrical performances, and literature, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. It is commonly associated with stereotypical portrayals of bumbling or pretentious individuals, such as tourists or characters in farcical scenarios, attempting to communicate in French but failing to do so fluently or accurately.
However, it is important to note that the term "parleyvoo" is not an actual French word used by native speakers. Its function is solely to capture the notion of limited or muddled French language skills for comedic effect. Its widespread use in English-speaking contexts has resulted in its inclusion in dictionaries and colloquial speech, firmly establishing it as a humorous term associated with French language miscommunication, often accompanied by exaggerated accents or simplifications of syntax and vocabulary.
The word "parleyvoo" is derived from the French phrase "parlez-vous" which means "do you speak". The phrase "parlez-vous" is itself a combination of the French verbs "parlez" which means "speak" and "vous" which means "you" (plural formal). Over time, the phrase "parlez-vous" was used by English speakers to mockingly imitate French or as a playful way of speaking in an exaggerated French accent. This eventually led to the creation of the word "parleyvoo" as a humorous way to refer to pidgin French or broken French spoken by non-native speakers.
