Why is it called Pardon my French?
Why is it called Pardon my French?
The phrase was originally used in England when someone used a French word when speaking to a person who may not have understood French. Due to the history of conflict between France and England, 'pardon my French' came to be a dig against the French.
Why do English say excuse my French?
This phrase is used in conversation when someone swears or curses, and is a request for forgiveness for using taboo language. ... When English people used French expressions in conversation, they would often apologise for it, presumably because many of their listeners were not familiar with the language!
Is Pardon my French offensive?
“Pardon My French” Defined While it is often used to apologize on the fly, one should be mindful when using this phrase — it can be offensive to French people as it is sometimes perceived as a phrase of belittlement, even if the user didn't have that intention at all.
Why are cuss words considered French?
The phrase appears in the U.S. in this usage as early as the 1800s, and linguists think that it derives from a more literal usage. ... The phrase may have been appropriated for covering foul language because it fits the habit of ascribing unsavory habits or objects to the French through nicknames in English.
