2007-02-16 09:11:00 · 3 answers · asked by JoJo 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
The phrase in this form started out in the 1950s as an offshoot
of "excuse my French." This is a result of racial stereotyping -
Anglo-Saxons of the late 19th century blamed the French for anything
remotely dirty. The belief started in the mid 19th century and held
that was France sex-obsessed and pornographic.
2007-02-16 09:16:16 · answer #1 · answered by Ashley S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some English-speakers stereotype the French as permissive about
anything risqué. This was particularly true a hundred years ago when
the phrase took off as an "apology" for swearing. "Excuse my French"
or "Pardon my French" isn't just play-acting that you're speaking a
foreign language. It's also a bit like saying, "I know those words are
naughty - but maybe I could get away with behaving like that in
France, where people are more tolerant of obscenity."
2007-02-16 13:09:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Several english speakers stereotype french speakers as being very uptight about anything that is slightly indecent. That's because many years ago, French people would not be comfortable saying many things in vain like God, the church or a condom and would immediately apologize.
2007-02-16 09:27:36 · answer #3 · answered by goudazcheeze 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋