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      • The idiom “excuse my French” is essentially synonymous with “pardon my French,” both serving the same purpose of apologizing for offensive language. They are used interchangeably, though “pardon my French” might carry a slightly more formal tone.
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    • Pardon. Pardon is the most common way to say "excuse me" in French and a versatile word that can be used as both an apology and an excuse. Invariably, this is the French word you will come across most often when navigating social interactions in France.
    • Excusez-moi. As mentioned earlier, Excusez-moi is considered more formal than Pardon. It is usually reserved for situations that require a higher level of politeness or respect — you can use Excusez-moi when addressing someone older than you or in a position of authority, as well as in professional settings.
    • Désolé. Désolé translates to "sorry" and is used more often by younger generations. It can convey both an apology and a request for forgiveness. Similar to Pardon, it is a versatile phrase that can be used in various social situations — for example, when making a mistake, apologizing for something, or expressing regret.
    • Je suis navré. Je suis navré is a more formal way of saying désolé and is used in more serious situations that require a deeper level of sincerity or respect, such as when conveying sincere regret, offering condolences, or expressing sympathy.
  2. My understanding is that 'excusez-moi' is used in preparation for a question, 'désolé' is used with sincerest apologies and 'pardon' is a request to be excused from a simple mistake or to move past someone in a crowd.

    • What Does The Idiom Pardon My French Mean?
    • How Is Pardon My French Commonly Used in context?
    • What Is The Origin of The Idiom Pardon My French?
    • What Are Some Related Terms to Pardon My French?
    • What Have We Learned About Pardon My French?

    Pardon my Frenchis an idiom that serves as a humorous or lighthearted apology for using language that might be considered impolite or offensive. It’s a way of acknowledging the use of strong or vulgar expressions, often with a touch of humor, without a direct connection to the French language. Merriam-Webster also states that the idiom pardon my Fr...

    Pardon my Frenchis a versatile idiom with various applications in everyday conversation. Understanding the different ways it can be employed and adopting effective usage tips can enhance your communication skills. The following sections explore the diverse contexts where this idiom is commonly employed, provide tips for using it effectively, and of...

    The idiom pardon my Frenchtraces its origin back to the 1830s when it was initially used in England. Initially, the phrase was employed quite literally—to seek forgiveness for using a French word, particularly when addressing someone who might not have had the social standing to understand the language. Over time, this linguistic apology evolved in...

    Here are some great alternatives you can use instead of pardon my Frenchand a few opposite terms and phrases to consider.

    Pardon my Frenchoffers a fascinating glimpse into the niceties of language and social etiquette. Originally an apology for using French terms, it’s evolved into a light-hearted disclaimer for swearing. We covered its true meaning, origin, variations, and different ways it could be used. Remember, while it adds color to a conversation, its use shoul...

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  3. Mar 11, 2015 · The phrase ‘excuse/pardon my French’ has been used to excuse the speaker’s profanity for years, and is even heard in popular television and film franchises. But just where did this strange phrase come from? The rivalry between England and France is no well-kept secret.

  4. May 31, 2024 · However, a key difference between excusez-moi and pardon is that the former is used to get someones attention whereas the latter does not require any sort of answer, so pardon is better to use. Je suis navré . Another formal way to say you are sorry is je suis navré.

    • William Upton
  5. 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?

  6. The term "excuse my French" means please forgive my swearing. It also appears as "pardon my French."