katsy Mar 25, 2015:

The definition given by Francis is part of the total definition (B. 2 to be precise). See A, and B1
http://www.cnrtl.fr/definition/innommable

katsy Mar 24, 2015:

Samuel Beckett The third novel (of his trilogy) "L'Innommable" is translated into English as "The unnameable". I do not feel qualified to decide between two suggestions here 'unnameable' /'unspeakable'. Both options could be justified IMO - something which cannot intrinsically be named - there is not even a word to define the thing (unnameable); or because so unusual, awful, the word cannot be expressed (unspeakable) . Unspeakable might be an idea if the actual subject was homosexuality, but the context here is pretending to be from a different social class.... is 'unspeakable' perhaps too strong?

Francis Marche Mar 23, 2015:

The unspeakable II http://www.amazon.fr/Serial-killers-linnommable-Barbara-Sarb...

Francis Marche Mar 23, 2015:

The unspeakable INNOMMABLE : Qui est trop bas, trop abject pour être nommé, qualifié, décrit. Le directeur du palace, un ignoble inverti (...) fut trouvé assassiné dans son bureau, vers les dix heures du soir. Ce drame s'était passé au cours d'une scène innommable, comme le démontra l'autopsie (L. DAUDET, Brév. journ., 1936, p. 189)
from ATILF

Francis Marche Mar 23, 2015:

"L'innommable" is "the unspeakable" in English. (see. Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco)