excuse my french

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Ret's Word of the Day

excuse my French

/ɪkˈskjuːz maɪ frɛntʃ/

(Pronounced: ik-skyooz my french)
🔊 Hear it on YouGlish

Definition

Meaning: Excuse my French is an idiomatic expression used to apologize for swearing or using offensive language, often when the speaker feels it is necessary to use such language for emphasis.

Signification: Cette expression est utilisée pour s'excuser d'avoir utilisé un langage offensant ou des jurons, souvent lorsque le locuteur estime qu'il est nécessaire d'utiliser ce langage pour souligner un point.

Note: The phrase excuse my French is often used humorously or sarcastically, and it highlights the speaker's awareness of their language choice. Example: "I was so frustrated, I just had to say, 'This is bullshit, excuse my French.'"

Word Analysis

French synonyms
» Pardon pour le langage
» Excusez-moi pour ce mot
» Si vous me passez l'expression
» Passez-moi l'expression

Exemple: "Excusez-moi pour le langage, mais ce projet est vraiment mal fichu."

English synonyms
» Pardon my language
» Sorry for the swear word
» Excuse my choice of words
» Pardon my French

Example: "Excuse my French, but that decision was a total disaster."

Example Dialogue

Ntsebe: "This traffic is so frustrating. Excuse my French… but it's a freaking nightmare!"
Mosimotsana: "No worries, I feel the same way. It’s been a long day."
Ntsebe: "It sure has. Let’s grab a coffee to unwind."
Mosimotsana: "Great idea. Let's go."

Etymology

Origin: The phrase excuse my French is often used as a humorous apology for using profanity or offensive language. It dates back to the 19th century when English speakers would use French phrases to sound sophisticated, and it later evolved to cover any vulgar language, implying that the speaker is aware of the inappropriateness of their words.

Audience

The phrase "excuse my French" is widely recognized in informal contexts, particularly when someone wants to acknowledge their use of strong language.

When to use: Use "excuse my French" when you want to apologize for swearing or using inappropriate language, often to lighten the mood. For example: "I can't believe he did that! Excuse my French, but that was really stupid!"

Dictionary Meaning

Here's an official definition of excuse or pardon my French by The Cambridge Dictionary:

It says the expression is "said when you are pretending to be sorry for using a word that may be considered offensive." The example given is: "Pardon my French, but that's a damned shame!"

News Snippet

"I am citing these anecdotes because it is my sincere belief that judiciaries during the times of hardships for the populace should be at the forefront of liberation and upliftment, the theory of judicial activism. This theory is in conformity with its biblical cousin, if you excuse my French, of liberation theology."

Read the full article at The Daily Maverick

Extra! Extra!

For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, excuse my French, watch the following videos.

Video Lesson One

Video Lesson Two

WordReference

When exploring the nuances of words, sometimes dictionaries don't provide enough context. The WordReference Forums offer insightful discussions that delve into the subtleties of language, including idiomatic expressions, usage nuances, and translations across languages.

Here are some quick links to help you navigate WordReference for deeper understanding:

» Read about today's word of the day.
» English⇄English–Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
» English⇄French–Explore translations and linguistic nuances
» Synonyms⇄Antonyms–Contextual variations, etc.

Common Idioms and Expressions

Excuse my French: A humorous way to apologise for using profanity or offensive language, often used to lighten the mood after swearing.

Example: "I can't believe he did that! Excuse my French, but that was really stupid!"

Mind your language: A phrase used to remind someone to be careful about their choice of words, especially in terms of politeness.

Example: "You might want to mind your language in front of the kids."

Watch your mouth: A warning to someone to be careful about what they say, often used when someone is being inappropriate.

Example: "You better watch your mouth when speaking to your elders."

Language warning: A phrase indicating that strong or offensive language will be used, often as a preemptive apology.

Example: "Language warning: I'm about to vent my frustration!"

Use colorful language: A euphemism for using strong or vulgar language, often with a humorous connotation.

Example: "He tends to use colorful language when he's upset."

Note:

While "excuse my French" is commonly used in casual conversation, other phrases like "mind your language" and "watch your mouth" serve as reminders to maintain decorum in speech.

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Comments

  1. Rethabile27 January 2025 at 13:04

    EXCUSE MY FRENCH ETYMOLOGY: https://youtu.be/ciOxM0XlzaM

    ReplyDelete

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