# MOI

/ˈmwɑ/ (US) · /mwˈɑː/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Pronoun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moi
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the French word for 'me', used in English to sound funny or pretend you are shocked. You use it when someone suggests you did something wrong or selfish.

For teachers: the French first-person singular stressed pronoun, used in English as a humorous or ironic interjection. Typically employed to feign innocence or mock-indignation when one's motives or actions are questioned.

## Examples

- You think I ate the last cookie? Moi?
- When the manager asked who had left the office lights on all night, Sarah simply batted her eyelashes and whispered moi.
- The word is frequently used in a camp or exaggerated manner to deflect criticism, adopting a persona of faux-sophistication that signals the speaker is not taking the accusation seriously.

## Usage notes

- Used as a standalone interjection or a one-word question; always retains its French spelling and pronunciation.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.