And what was your source for this Duane? This is what I'm finding........ 1) a la. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. ...In the style or manner of: a poem a la Ogden Nash. French, short for a la mode de, in the manner of.... 2) a la mode. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. ...1. According to the prevailing style or fashion. 2. Served with ice cream: apple pie a la mode. French : a, in + la, the + mode, fashion.... 3) a la carte. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. ...ADVERB & With a separate price for each item on the menu. French : a, by + la, the + carte, menu....