When Charles de Gaulle decided to retire from public life, the British ambassador and his wife threw a gala dinner party in his honor. At the dinner table, the ambassador's wife was talking with Madame de Gaulle: "Your husband has been such a prominent public figure, such a presence on the French and international scene for so many years! How quiet retirement will seem in comparison. What are you most looking forward to in these retirement years?" "A p***s, " replied Madame de Gaulle. A huge hush fell over the table. Everyone heard her answer...

and no one knew what to say next. That's when Charles leaned over to his wife and said, "Ma Cherie, I believe ze English pronounce for zat word, is 'appiness!"