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  1. Pardon my French. " Pardon my French " or " Excuse my French " is a common English language phrase ostensibly disguising profanity as words from the French language. The phrase is uttered in an attempt to excuse the user of profanity, swearing, or curses in the presence of those offended by it, under the pretense of the words being part of a ...

  2. The use of “pardon my French” in popular media is well-documented. It is often used as a preface to curses and insults, and for comedic effect. The earliest known written record wherein this phrase was used was in the 1830 edition of The Lady’s Magazine. In the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day off, the phrase was used by the character when he ...

  3. Origin and History. The phrase “pardon my French” initially emerged in the 19th century. During this period, French was considered the language of the educated and the elite. English speakers, particularly those wanting to appear sophisticated, would often pepper their conversations with French phrases.

  4. The term “pardon my French” has been used regularly for almost 200 years. It’s used to excuse the fact that you’ve sworn, or are about to swear or use offensive language. It’s a widely used term, even in popular movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off! And you don’t have to speak French or even be a Francophile to use the phrase.

  5. Mar 15, 2022 · The expression "pardon my French" has several uses in the English language. It serves as a precursor to you using profanity in a conversation. For example, you could say, "pardon my French, but that guy is a real (insert cuss word here)." You could also use the phrase after you speak a cuss word as a means of asking for forgiveness for your use ...

  6. Sep 2, 2017 · Pardon my French, I could not be so bold to say it in English.” On this evidence then, it seems breaking into French was sometimes an attempt to avoid saying something that might have sounded too direct and offensive in English, but the speaker would then apologise for using it.

  7. excuse/pardon my French! definition: 1. said when you are pretending to be sorry for using a word that may be considered offensive: 2…. Learn more.

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