What is "cherchez la femme"

French, literally "seek the woman," on the notion that a woman is the cause for whatever crime has been committed, first used by Alexandre Dumas père in "Les Mohicans de Paris" (1864) in the form cherchons la femme. French chercher is from Latin circare, in Late Latin "to wander hither and thither," from circus "circle" (see circus).

"Cherchez La Femme" (Seek the Woman; proper French case is Cherchez la femme) is a song that was written and performed by Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band with lead vocals by Cory Daye in 1976. The song's music was written by band-leader and pianist Stony Browder Jr. and John Schonberger, Richard Coburn (né Frank Reginald DeLong; 1886–1952), Vincent Rose with lyrics by Browder Jr's brother and bassist August Darnell. The song's full title is "Whispering"/"Cherchez La Femme"/"Se Si Bon". Cherchez La Femme became the group's most well known song and biggest hit.

The song's opening lyric is notable in itself as it makes a reference to record executive Tommy Mottola, who was instrumental in giving the act their major label deal. Along with the tracks, "Sour and Sweet" and "I'll Play the Fool", "Cherchez La Femme" went to number one for one week on the disco chart. "Cherchez La Femme" also charted in the Top 40 on the pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary charts.

It was later featured in the 1998 film, 54.