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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 foreign language.
The idiom “pardon my French” is a commonly used phrase that people say before using profanity or vulgar language. It’s a way to apologize in advance for any offensive language that may be spoken.
Jul 3, 2024 · Meaning. an informal way to say sorry for using bad language. a light-hearted way to apologize for swearing, pretending the words are in another language. originally meant to apologize for using French words in English, especially when listeners might not understand them.
So, “Pardon my French” here is used by the speaker to warn the other party that they will hear a particularly vulgar word or phrase that may or may not offend their sensibilities (depending on their proclivity for cursing).
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- Phrases Similar to Pardon My French
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- Ways People May Say Pardon My French incorrectly
- Acceptable Ways to Phrase Pardon My French
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 of ...
“You know, that guy over there is a real idiot. Pardon my French, but he’s got to be the biggest a**hole I’ve ever met.” “Pardon my FrenchClaire, I didn’t see your kid was sitting right there; that was bad form on my part.” “I know I shouldn’t have gone crazy like that; you’ll have to pardon my French; I’m feeling frustrated right now.” “Dear me, p...
The origin of the saying, “pardon my French,” comes from the 19th century. It’s no secret that the British and French have a lasting feud between the nations going back hundreds of years. The British would see the French as a vulgar nation. The definition of the saying “pardon my French” comes from The Lady’s Magazine, published in 1830. “Bless me,...
Excuse my language.Sorry for the outburst.Apologies for cussing.I don’t care what you think.I’ll swear if I want to.The saying has nothing to do with French or speaking the language. The “French” in the saying is profane language, such as swear words. Therefore, using the expression to describe anything other than foul language is the incorrect use of the phrase.
You can use the saying “pardon my French” when you’re apologizing for using foul language. Some people may use the expression after they swear, or they may say the phrase and then follow up with a vulgar statement or swear word. The term suits social and professional use, and it’s a way of telling someone that you’re aware the language is bad, but ...
Sep 2, 2017 · ‘Pardon my French!’ is a quaint English-language expression used to excuse oneself for using a rude word – but why the reference to French?
'Pardon my french' is an English idiom. It is an informal expression used to apologize for using strong or offensive language.
