2006-12-21 03:52:06 · 22 answers · asked by MAD DOG 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I always assumed it was because a lot of my fellow countrymen enjoy frogs' legs as a delicacy... The alliteration 'fr' is a new one for me, but it sounds quite plausible.
To reply to Jackie, I don't think any French person resents being called 'frog'; i certainly don't -only the English know how hurtful the intention is, we French just don't gettit!
Frogs are cute and they taste great, so ... ;-)
2006-12-21 04:45:34 · answer #1 · answered by Nini 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually the person who started this was Queen Elizabeth the First, who had an ambassadorial attache from France at her court who excelled at jumping higher than anyone else in the dances of the period. She nicknamed him her "little frog" and, like many descriptive adjectives like "jerk" or "prat" these days which appeared from nowhere and have become common place, it stuck -probably because of the resemblance in sound at the start of the word.
The eating of frogs legs is a bit of a myth. Some people say they taste exactly like chicken when they are cooked, but I have met a lot of French people in my time and I have never been offered frogs legs as a dish or indeed seen them on a restaurant menu.
They have nicknamed us "Rosbifs" and we do not have roast beef as a staple diet either.
2006-12-21 12:52:49 · answer #2 · answered by WISE OWL 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We are called frogs because we cook the frog's legs. But it's not a very common plate, I mean that I don't know any people who eat frogs at home. You can find it in some restaurants, but not all.
In fact, lots ot French find it disgusting. I've tried it only one time, it tastes as the chicken, more stringy.
It's as stupid as calling you "rosbeef", as we do ;-)
2006-12-23 07:42:30 · answer #3 · answered by -O- 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not exactly sure, I think it was either because of their out fits or the fact that they ate frog legs.
But even so you should never call a French man/woman a Frog.
2006-12-21 12:00:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Good question!
I thought is was a mix of two things. Firstly because they both start with "fr" so a bit of alliteration and secondly because they are one of the few nations known for eating frogs (taste like chicken apparently). Otherwise a random stereo type.
2006-12-21 11:58:28 · answer #5 · answered by John D 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
because frog legs is a part of traditional French cuisine; however it does NOT mean that they eat frog legs regularly. Like all ethnic slurs, it comes from exaggerating certain characteristics.
It's pretty stupid if you think about it -- it's like calling Americans "hot dogs", Brits "fish & chips" and Aussies "vegemites".
2006-12-21 12:01:01 · answer #6 · answered by karkondrite 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Because they eat their legs, maybe??? Not every day or anything, but they do eat them sometimes. I have a French friend who says they're quite nice but not much meat on them.
2006-12-22 09:43:52 · answer #7 · answered by jammycaketin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they love Frogs-legs uuurrrggghhhh .
2006-12-21 11:54:24 · answer #8 · answered by Duisend-poot 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe their slimy green skin, warts, bulging eyes and hoarse voices; but it more likely because they eat frogs.
French cuisine - Ah the best eh Mr Mitterrand
2006-12-21 12:12:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
hmm.. yeah. i think its because its a fact that it starts with "fr" and about them eating frogs
2006-12-21 12:02:38 · answer #10 · answered by stayclear87 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋