Meaning and usage of the word femme fatale in English

The term "femme fatale" originated in French literature during the late 19th century. It first appeared in a novel by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac in 1954 titled "Les Diaboliques," which was adapted into the classic movie "Diabolique" in 1955. In French, "femme fatale" translates to "deadly woman." The term describes a fictional character, typically a woman, whose beauty and allure prove fatal to men who become involved with her. This archetype has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and popular culture, for over a century. The femme fatale's allure lies in her ability to manipulate and control men, often for her own gain. She is seductive, yet dangerous, and her actions can lead to the downfall of those around her. The term "femme fatale" has become a cultural phenomenon, featuring prominently in many genres of literature and film, from "The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett to "Double Indemnity" by James M. Cain, and "Basic Instinct" with Sharon Stone in the lead role. In summary, the term "femme fatale" first emerged in French literature in the late 19th century, and it describes a seductive yet deadly woman characterized by her beauty, allure, and manipulative ways, whose actions can lead to the downfall of those around her.