“Bánh mì”, “skyr”, “asexual”: the “Petit Larousse illustré” gets a culinary and sexual update

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The new edition of the dictionary, due out May 21, includes 150 new words, some of which may be unexpected. A way to keep up with the times.

Among the new terms in the "Petit Larousse illustré" is umami, a Japanese word meaning "savory taste." (T&I studio/Getty Images)

“Asexual, she: Said of someone who does not feel desire or sexual attraction for anyone and has neither fantasy nor libido – In France, asexuality is considered a sexual orientation.” This is the definition of the term “asexual” , widely explored by Libé , which is offered in the 2026 edition of the Petit Larousse illustré to be published on May 21. A mark of recognition that the French language and society are evolving, far from the outdated vision of the Académie f