forte (n)

1. The realistic meaning: the part of a sword or foil blade that is between the middle and the hilt. It is the strongest part of the blade.

2. The metaphorical meaning: one's strengths or strong points, e.g., writing or critical thinking or baseball. If you were "a lover, not a fighter," your forte would be romance.

Some people start an awkward chat with something like "What do you do?" There are two implications behind that expression:

1. "Do" means "occupation," as in "what's your job"?
2. One's occupation or job defines (and perhaps even limits) the person.
   

"What's your forte" is often used as an alternative opener in a conversation with a stranger. That question asks "what are your best or favorite skills and interests?"

The implications associated with "what do you do?" are not a problem when instead inquiring about someone's favorite topic. The forte question tends to elicit more interesting responses. Besides, many people are not comfortable talking about the 9-to-5 part of their lives. Everyone is happy when asked about - and getting to talk about - their sources of pride and pleasure.

The problem is not the concepts described above. The problem is the pronunciation of forte.

Optional pronunciations include for-tay and fort. The word's etymology is both French and Italian. Hence, the multiple ways of making the word roll off your tongue. You can take your choice, knowing that someone somewhere will dislike whichever variant you choose. Both, however, are standard.

To look it up yourself, try http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forte