Distinction between "celebre" "connu" etc "fameuse".

Question

I noted in another quiz that famous people (at Cannes) were either "célèbré" or "connu".  Would "fameuse" not work for them?  Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Gary,
That's an excellent question!
"fameux" can be used to mean "famous" for celébrities, actors etc when one is known worldwide and has a big reputation. However, it can also be used in other contexts: when something is really impressive i.e. "un fameux dessert" (= a famous dessert), when something is very good (or not) i.e "un dessert fameux" (= a really good dessert) or when referring to something well-known i.e.   "c'est le fameux jour où..." (= it is the infamous day where...).
In the dictation mentioned above (En attendant bébé), "les fameuses nausées mantinales" means "the infamous morning sickness". If you had "connues" here, it wouldn't work because it would imply they are celebrities/actors etc. "Célèbres" would work but "fameuses" is best.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !