<P> `` 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 . Although the phrase is often used without any explicit or implicit intention of insulting the French people or language , it can nevertheless be perceived as offensive and belittling by Francophone speakers . However , most users of the term intend no such belittlement , but rather a light - hearted way of apologizing on - the - fly for having used a somewhat profane comment . In other words , it can be ( and usually is ) used as a very effective oral English device to indicate that the speaker does not intend to escalate the general level of profanity use . </P>
<P> `` 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 . Although the phrase is often used without any explicit or implicit intention of insulting the French people or language , it can nevertheless be perceived as offensive and belittling by Francophone speakers . However , most users of the term intend no such belittlement , but rather a light - hearted way of apologizing on - the - fly for having used a somewhat profane comment . In other words , it can be ( and usually is ) used as a very effective oral English device to indicate that the speaker does not intend to escalate the general level of profanity use . </P>
what is the meaning of excuse my french
what is the meaning of excuse my french
common English language phrase ostensibly disguising profanity as words from the French language
common English language phrase ostensibly disguising profanity as words from the French language