french letter

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Ret's Word of the Day

French letter

/frɛntʃ ˈlɛtər/

(Pronounced: french le-tuh)
🔊 Hear it on YouGlish

Definition

Meaning: French letter A French letter is a sheath-like protective barrier used during sexual intercourse to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). They are either external, for men, or internal, for women. The term is colloquial.

Signification: Cette expression désigne un préservatif, souvent utilisée dans un contexte humoristique ou euphémique.

Note: The term French letter is considered somewhat outdated and may not be commonly used in contemporary language. Example: "He always makes sure to use a French letter for safety."

Word Analysis

French synonyms
» Préservatif
» Capote anglaise
» Gant de Paris
» Chapeau [aux Antilles]

Exemple: "Il utilise toujours une capote pour sa sécurité."

English synonyms
» Condom
» Rubber
» Prophylactic
» Raincoat

Example: "It's important to use a condom to prevent STIs."

Example Dialogue

Thabo: "My father asked me if we were using French letters!"
Palesa: "Why did you tell him we were having sex?"
Thabo: "He asked me. The thing is, I didn't know what he was talking about!"
Palesa: "Really? That's an older term for condom."

Etymology

Origin: The phrase French letter refers to a condom, particularly in British English. It is often used in a humorous or euphemistic context. The term is somewhat outdated and may not be commonly used in contemporary language.

Audience

The phrase "French letter" is recognised in informal contexts, especially in discussions about sexual health.

When to use: Use "French letter" when discussing condoms in a light-hearted or humorous manner. For example: "He always carries a French letter or two, just in case."

Dictionary Meaning

There's no direct definition of French letter in The Cambridge Dictionary.

Here are two of my own examples with the expression:

1. "During the health education session, the nurse explained the proper use of a French letter."
2. "Ever considered the impact of readily available French letters on unplanned pregnancies?"

News Snippet

"It's Valentine's Day. It's also the last day of Safe Sex Awareness Week. I certainly hope this doesn't mean that Cupid will be using his arrow to pierce hearts and other parts without taking the necessary precautions. So in the spirit of safe sex for life—not just a week—I write today in praise of French letters."

Read the full article at Jamaica Gleaner

Extra! Extra!

For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, French letter, watch the following…

Video Lesson One

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

French letter: A dated and often humorous British term for a condom, originating from the late 19th century.

Example: "He was embarrassed to ask the chemist for a French letter."

Condom diplomacy: The use of contraceptives as a tool in public health initiatives or international aid efforts.

Example: "The organization is engaging in condom diplomacy to promote safe sex education."

Put a cap on it: A colloquial expression often used humorously to mean using a condom.

Example: "He joked that they should always put a cap on it to avoid surprises."

Safe sex: A term advocating the use of condoms to prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

Example: "Education programs promote safe sex by encouraging condom use."

Rubber: A slang term for a condom, commonly used in American English.

Example: "He stopped at the store to pick up a pack of rubbers."

Wrap it up: A casual, modern way to advise using condoms, often in humorously.

Example: "Before you get too close, remember to wrap it up!"

Johnnie: A condom. Primarily heard in The British Isles.

Example: "He stopped at the store to pick up some johnnies."

Raincoat: A humorous euphemism

Example: "There are so many STIs that I never leave home without a raincoats."

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Location: Paris, France

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